Environment BOP and Environment Waikato have agreed to explore collaborative management of geothermal resources in the combined region.
"Electricity generators see geothermal energy as the most strategic renewable energy source in the country and plan to invest about $3 billion in the next five years" says Environment Waikato chief executive Bob Laing.

"This is a huge proposed investment and it's to everyone's advantage to have consistent management."
Environment BOP chief executive Bill Bayfield agrees and says there is great opportunity presented by working together.
"Together, we manage most of New Zealand's geothermal resources, predominantly in the Taupo Volcanic Zone, which stretches from south of Taupo to White Island and beyond" says Bill.
"Environment Waikato has a lot of experience in large geothermal development, while our experience is more on management of multiple shallow geothermal bores, so this agreement is a natural collaboration of our complementary skills and resources."

The councils are seeking to achieve combined success with the following short term objectives:
• Determining cost recovery principles and procedures related to geothermal development applications, monitoring and compliance
• Developing data and information compatibility

A working group involving staff from both councils will develop a plan for achieving these objectives.