New Zealand Geothermal Week returns to Taupo on 10-15 August 2026
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The New Zealand Geothermal Week comes back to Taupo on 10-15 August 2026, highlighting New Zealand’s contribution to global geothermal expertise.
The New Zealand Geothermal Week returns to Taupo on 10 to 15 August 2026, bringing together industry leaders, iwi, government, researchers, investors, businesses and the wider community to explore how geothermal energy can help power New Zealand’s future.
Co-hosted by Amplify (Taupo’s Economic Development Agency) and the New Zealand Geothermal Association (NZGA), the event has become one of New Zealand’s leading geothermal industry events. Now in its sixth year, the programme reflects the growing role geothermal is playing in energy security, industrial decarbonisation, economic development and regional prosperity.
Tickets are now available for a range of free and ticketed events taking place throughout the week. For the full programme and registrations, please visit the official event website.
Leading the way with geothermal
The 2026 theme, “Leading the Way with Geothermal”, celebrates New Zealand’s global reputation for geothermal expertise while exploring the opportunities and challenges shaping the sector’s future.
Geothermal is New Zealand’s second-largest source of renewable electricity, providing reliable, around-the-clock generation that complements hydro, wind and solar. As New Zealand works towards a lower-emissions economy and a more secure electricity system, geothermal continues to play an increasingly important role.
Beyond electricity generation, geothermal also provides renewable heat for industries including food processing, timber drying and manufacturing, helping businesses reduce emissions while improving energy resilience. The sector is also creating opportunities in advanced drilling technologies, mineral recovery, biotechnology, engineering services and international consultancy.
New Zealand continues to be recognised internationally for its geothermal capability, with Kiwi engineers, scientists and businesses delivering projects across the world while attracting growing international interest in New Zealand’s expertise.
“New Zealand Geothermal Week creates an opportunity to bring together industry, iwi, researchers, government and communities to share ideas, showcase innovation and explore the opportunities ahead. Taupo is the natural place for those conversations, it’s home to world-leading geothermal expertise, significant renewable energy infrastructure and businesses that are helping shape the future of the sector,” said Bryn Ingham, Head of Strategy & Investment at Amplify.
“The theme of New Zealand Geothermal Week 2026, ‘Leading the Way with Geothermal’, reflects the strong partnership that has developed between tangata whenua, industry and Government following the launch of the New Zealand Geothermal Strategy, From the Ground Up, in March 2026,” added Kennie Tsui, Chief Executive of the NZGA.
New Zealand Geothermal Week 2026
This year’s programme features six days of workshops, technical seminars, networking events, field trips and community activities designed to showcase every aspect of New Zealand’s geothermal sector. Key themes across the programme include:
- Maori leadership, partnerships and investment in geothermal development.
- New Zealand’s emerging superhot geothermal opportunity.
- Renewable heat and industrial decarbonisation.
- Future energy technologies and innovation.
- Geothermal regulation, policy and investment.
- Workforce development and future industry capability.
- International collaboration and exporting New Zealand geothermal expertise.
The NZGA Winter Seminar, held on Wednesday 12 August, is the flagship event of the week, bringing together leading voices from across New Zealand and overseas to discuss innovation, investment, technology, workforce development and the future direction of the geothermal sector.
Other programme highlights include:
- Partnering with Maori for Geothermal Growth, a Maori-led workshop exploring partnerships, investment opportunities and indigenous leadership.
- Turning Up the Heat: New Zealand’s Superhot Opportunity, examining the potential of next-generation geothermal technologies.
- Technical workshops covering geothermal process heat, pipeline regulations and future energy opportunities.
- Industry networking events connecting businesses, researchers, students and emerging professionals.
- Field trips to geothermal operations, providing first-hand insight into how geothermal resources are supporting electricity generation and industrial development.
Opening geothermal to the community
While much of the programme is designed for industry professionals, New Zealand Geothermal Week also includes opportunities for the wider community to experience New Zealand’s geothermal industry.
The Contact Energy Public Open Day on Saturday 15 August will give members of the public the rare opportunity to step inside Tauhara Power Station, one of New Zealand’s newest geothermal power stations, and see first-hand how geothermal energy is generated. Guided tours will showcase the technology behind the station and explain how it supplies renewable electricity to more than 220,000 New Zealand homes.
Throughout the week, visitors are also encouraged to explore Taupo’s geothermal attractions, hospitality and local businesses, highlighting the important role geothermal plays in both the district’s economy and identity.
Building on a successful event
Since launching in 2021, New Zealand Geothermal Week has continued to grow in both size and reputation. In 2025, the event attracted 720 industry participants representing 219 organisations, alongside more than 350 visitors to the Contact Energy Public Open Day. Organisers expect another strong turnout in 2026, with delegates travelling from throughout New Zealand and overseas.
Located within the Taupo Volcanic Zone, Taupo sits at the heart of New Zealand’s geothermal industry and is home to the majority of the country’s geothermal electricity generation.
As interest grows in renewable energy, industrial decarbonisation and energy security, New Zealand Geothermal Week provides an important forum for sharing knowledge, building partnerships and exploring the opportunities geothermal offers New Zealand.
Source: Email correspondence
