Ohakuri Dam facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Ohakuri Dam |
|
|---|---|
Ohakuri dam and powerhouse from the north.
|
|
 Location of Ohakuri Dam in New Zealand
|
|
| Country | New Zealand |
| Location | Between Taupo, Rotorua, and Hamilton |
| Coordinates | 38°24′30″S 176°5′22″E / 38.40833°S 176.08944°E |
| Purpose | Power |
| Status | Operational |
| Opening date | 1961 |
| Owner(s) | Mercury Energy |
| Dam and spillways | |
| Type of dam | earth dam with concrete gravity sections for the intake and spillway structures |
| Impounds | Waikato River |
| Reservoir | |
| Creates | Lake Ohakuri |
| Surface area | 12 km2 (4.6 sq mi) |
| Power station | |
| Name | Ohakuri Power Station |
| Operator(s) | Mercury Energy |
| Turbines | 4× 28 MW Francis turbine |
| Installed capacity | 112 MW (150,000 hp) |
The Ohakuri Dam is a large structure built on the Waikato River in the central North Island of New Zealand. It helps create electricity for the country. You can find it between the towns of Taupo, Rotorua, and Hamilton. This dam is located about 5 kilometers upstream from the Atiamuri Dam.
The dam was finished and started working in 1961. Its construction was managed from a special 'hydro town' called Mangakino.
Creating Lake Ohakuri
When the Ohakuri Dam was built, it formed a large artificial lake called Lake Ohakuri. This lake is the biggest man-made lake on the Waikato River.
However, creating the lake also caused some big changes. It covered about two-thirds of the Orakei Korako geothermal area. This area had hot springs and important wahi tapu (sacred sites) for the Māori at Te Ohaaki.
Two of the world's largest geysers, Minginui Geyser and Orakei Korako Geyser, were also submerged by the lake. The Ngāti Tahu people, a Māori tribe, had to move their Ohaaki Marae (a special meeting place) because of the rising water.
Why the Dam Was Built
Building the dam caused these negative effects, but at the time, it was seen as necessary. After World War II, New Zealand faced serious shortages of electricity. The dam was built to help solve this problem.
Back then, there were no laws that required the public to be involved or consulted about such projects. This meant that local communities, including Māori landowners, were not asked for their opinions before construction began.
Māori landowners did receive some payment for their land, based on the rules of the Public Works Act. However, the wider impact on the people living in the area, especially the loss of sacred sites and traditional lands, led to further discussions many years later. These discussions happened under the Waitangi Tribunal laws, which look into historical issues between Māori and the New Zealand government.
Ohakuri Power Station
The Ohakuri Power Station is the part of the dam that makes electricity. It has a power capacity of 112 megawatts (150,000 hp). This power station is run by a company called Mercury Energy.
Gallery
-
The penstocks seen from the west
-
Aerial view of Ohakuri Power Station, February 1969
