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UN: the great role of geothermal for indigenous group in NZ

UN: the great role of geothermal for indigenous group in NZ Kawerau geothermal plant (source: Mighty River Power)
Alexander Richter 10 Aug 2016

A recent article in a UN publication on social development, nicely describes the role of geothermal energy in New Zealand in the context of the impact it has on native tribes.

In a recent article published by the UN Social Development Network, the great role of geothermal for indigenous Maori Tribes in New Zealand was highlighted.

Talking about how historical wrong doings by the British Government through the Treaty of Waitangi, wree later redressed by the Crown of the Treaty, which provided native Maori tribes in New Zealand greater control of their lands and other resources.

This included geothermal resources on land owned by native groups in the country.

In the article, the example of Tauhara North No. 2 Trust was described and how it profited from a geothermal power plant by Mighty River Power on its land.

“The trust now has three geothermal power stations operated in joint venture with Mercury, which deliver sufficient energy to the national grid to power more than 265,000 homes. Through this and other ventures, the trust has accrued assets worth more than $NZ 317 million. Profits from the energy business, farming and other trust ventures are channelled through a Charitable Company, giving preference to the 6,000 owners and descendants of the Trust, then persons belonging to the iwi (tribes) Ng?ti Tahu-Ngati Whaoa, and finally to the public of New Zealand.”

This is a great example how local groups (in this case native tribes) can profit from development in a fair way. This could definitely be some good example for development in other regions of this world.

To read the whole article see the link below.

Source: UN Social Development Network