Since 1947 188km downstream of Lake Taupo, the Karapiro Lake is the home of NZ Rowing.
Since 1929 Protected under the Historic Places Trust Arapuni has the largest capacity of any station in the Waikato hydro system.
Since 1961 The smallest power station on the Waikato River and is used to supplement other stations.
Since 1952 and 1970 Combined they offer the largest output from any lake on the Waikato River.
Since 1956 The main switching station for upper Waikato generation and supplies the transmission system that leads north.
Since 1958 Originally designed for three generators, a fourth was later added and commissioned in 1962.
Since 1961 Lake Ohakuri covers 12 sq km and is the largest lake on the Waikato River.
Since 1964 13km downstream from Taupo, Aratiatia is the smallest hydro reservoir in the Waikato Hydro System.
We’re upgrading our vital hydro plants, some of which have been operating for over 80 years, so they can keep producing clean electricity reliably and efficiently for decades to come. We’re applying state-of-the-art technology and engineering techniques – along with an approach that respects the heritage and original construction of the plants – to achieve gains in performance and efficiency. We have completed upgrades to major generating equipment at Ohakuri and Arapuni, along with upgrades now in progress at Whakamaru. The upgrade at Whakamaru will increase capacity at this station by 20MW to 120MW, and is due for completion in 2020.
80+ years some of our Hydro stations have been operating
5% This year we expect to increase efficiency by 5%