Wairere Power Station near Piopio in New Zealand has marked 100 years since it was commissioned, with invited guests gathering on Wednesday to acknowledge the history of one of the region’s earliest hydroelectric schemes.
The private centenary event brought together iwi, hapū, community leaders, and current and former staff to recognise the station’s long role in supplying electricity to the King Country. The occasion also highlighted ongoing environmental work linked to the Mōkau River, including efforts to support elver migration through a partnership between King Country Energy (KCE) and iwi.
KCE General Manager Chris Fincham said the station’s history was shaped by generations of people connected to it and to the surrounding area.
“For 100 years this station has helped light homes, farms and businesses across the King Country, and each generation of operators, engineers, and local whānau has played a part in that story,” Fincham said.
He said KCE viewed its role as custodial, with responsibility for the station, the river and nearby communities, and noted ongoing work with iwi to protect tuna populations.
Contact Energy, which operates the scheme, said Wairere had continued to deliver renewable generation through changes in engineering and design over the past century. Contact Energy’s Todd Mead said the company was focused on ensuring the station remained safe and efficient, while also working with KCE and iwi on river health and native fish passage improvements.
Wairere Power Station was commissioned in December 1925 and was originally developed by the Wairere Power Board. The scheme later became part of the Waitomo Power Board in 1976. Former Power Board director Russell Aldridge attended the centenary.
The event also acknowledged the long-standing connection between the station and local hapū of Ngāti Maniapoto, including Ngāti Te Paemate and Ngāti Waiora. Their relationship with the land and river is recognised at the station, and KCE continues to work with iwi and hapū representatives on protecting native fish species.
Te Whare ki Mōkau ki Runga representative Anne Lemieux thanked those involved in preparing for the centenary and in elver translocation work alongside KCE.
Representatives from Ngāti Rereahu, from the upper catchment area, were also present.
Several individuals with family ties to the station were recognised during the event, including long-serving operator Barney Aldridge, who worked at Wairere for more than 30 years and died in 2017. Members of the family of former operator Graham Joseph “Joe” Le Gallais, who died in 1959 following an incident at the station, also attended.
As part of the centenary, KCE announced the Wairere Next Generation Scholarship. The initiative will offer two grants of up to $5,000 to support young people with connections to the Mōkau River and Mōkauiti Stream in tertiary study, trade training or apprenticeships.
More information about the scholarship is available on the KCE website.
