FEATURE
5 October 2026
Taz Lowen: Protecting the awa and powering New Zealand
Taz Lowen works at Mercury's Arapuni Hydro Station in South Waikato.
Taz Lowen's interest in electrical technology has turned into a fulltime career working on the longest-serving hydro station in the North Island.
Taz is a production technician at Mercury’s Arapuni Hydro Station in South Waikato, which will celebrate its 100th birthday in 2029.
"Arapuni is a beast of a plant with lots of interesting quirks, you're always learning something new and improving your knowledge of this unique hydro station.
"I really enjoy working here; Arapuni is still as important today for New Zealand's electricity generation as it was when it was built 100 years ago."
Taz is responsible for the day-to-day operation and first-line maintenance of the station.
Taz is a production technician responsible for the operation of the hydro station.
It's an interesting role that covers mechanical, electrical and hydraulic systems, health and safety, troubleshooting faults, working with contractors, and supporting Mercury's hydro control team in Hamilton.
He also keeps up to date with progress of Mercury's major enhancement project at the nearby Arapuni Hydro Dam where modern engineering methods are being used to prevent water seepage.
The multi-year project involves an international group of dam and engineering experts, as well as the community and Mercury's iwi partners.
"Every morning we have a meeting and share the work programme for the day, so everyone understands what's happening in and outside the plant and at the dam."
Arapuni was the first government-built hydro station and dam constructed on the Waikato River, and Taz said it needs a lot of care and love.
Taz with trade assistant, Paul O'Brien on one of the generation units at Arapuni.
"And we have a great maintenance team and programme to make sure it runs smoothly."
Taz had been working in the water management team at South Waikato District Council before joining Mercury.
He had also developed a business producing electric dirt bikes and was looking to further his learning in electrical technology.
"Working on the Waikato Hydro System seemed like a good place to further my knowledge in that area.
"I worked at the two Maraetai hydro stations for six months before being seconded to Arapuni and I'm happy to be based there now."
Arapuni Hydro Station turns 100 years old in 2029.
Through Mercury, Taz has been able to study a Level 4 NZQA qualification in Electrical Supply with Connexis, which prepares people to work in power distribution, transmission, substations, power stations, cable jointing, line work, and related fields.
He's also been able to put his interest in Computer-Aided Design (CAD) software to practical use at Arapuni.
He's designed a felt seal that acts as a barrier around moving parts of the generator, reducing moisture and helping keep the generator clean and dry.
"Previously, the seal was hand-made, cut out with scissors, but now we're using the CAD design as a template to streamline the process.
"I'd like to do more in that design space and my goal is to have a 3D printer where we can design and fabricate components on site, solve complex problems using modern technology."
Mercury has started a major engineering project to protect Arapuni Hydro Dam from water seepage.
Taz has embraced Mercury's focus on kaitiakitanga, which aspires to leave the physical assets and the natural environment thriving for future generations.
"I like to think I'm one of the kaitiaki on the river, a guardian, people who know how critical it is to look after the environment where we work.
"That's important to me because I have a connection with the awa and the maunga here, Maungatautari, and my marae is close to where I work here at Arapuni.
“If there's one thing I want to achieve, it's encouraging others to have that kaitiaki mindset as well.”
Read more stories in our Brighter Together series.