At a Glance
LOCATION:
Wairoa River catchment
Commissioned
1972
Max Capacity
41 MW
Annual output
167 GWh
Lloyd Mandeno Station was commissioned in 1972, it is sited on the west bank of the Mangapapa River and produces 16 MW. Lower Mangapapa Station (commissioned in 1979), is 2.8 kilometres (km) further downstream and produces 5.6 MW, while another 4km downstream, Ruahihi (commissioned in 1981) produces 20 MW. Kaimai 5 Station, which sits beside a diversion tunnel feeding Lake Mangaonui, produces 0.3 MW, it was commissioned in 1994.
Electricity generation in the Wairoa River catchment began at Omanawa Falls in 1915, followed by McLaren Falls Station, which was commissioned in 1925. McLaren Falls closed in 1989, after the commissioning of Ruahihi Station.
Environment and recreation
The Kaimai scheme opens up a superb, accessible recreational area that is popular for fishing, kayaking, picnicking and running. Water is released through McLaren Falls bypass up to 26 days a year, providing high flows for river rafters and the Kaimai Canoe Club.
Pest plants in the Ruahihi Canal and Lake McLaren are sometimes sprayed, helping to keep facilities easily accessible for energy production and for recreation. We carefully manage all spraying to minimise any potential adverse environmental effects.
Resource Consents for the Kaimai Power Scheme will expire from 2026.
Ruahihi Power Station