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Wairakei geothermal valley

Ongoing damage

Despite the significance of the natural features associated with the Rotorua geothermal field, damage continues today. Much of this results from a lack of understanding by residents and visitors alike.

Concreting, pipes, trenches and other structures around thermal pools damage natural features. Examples can be found at Whakarewarewa, Ohinemutu and the Government Gardens (the Rachel Spring). Surface gravel on pathways washes readily onto geothermal features, sometimes to the extent of permanently smothering mud pools and geysers and defacing the aesthetic qualities of other formations such as silica terraces.

Deliberate and accidental introduction of exotic plants (pines, bamboo, hakea and acacias) and grass to natural geothermal landscapes damages native ecosystems and the natural character of geothermal areas.

Commonplace activities such as rubbish dumping, bike riding, walking off marked tracks, plant removal and throwing rocks onto sensitive sites such as silica terraces may seem minor. Collectively they can cause significant damage.

In some areas, mud from active geothermal features has been removed for therapeutic and cosmetic purposes. Geothermal mud pools are unique features and do not regenerate quickly. There are areas where mud from now dormant mud pools could be harvested instead. Damage to active features can destroy the possible future development of tourist attractions.

The natural outflow of hot geothermal fluid creates many natural geothermal surface features and powers the geysers. Any lowering of water levels in the geothermal reservoir below these features therefore reduces their performance. Excessive removal of geothermal fluid from the reservoir is the greatest threat to the field's surface features. Environment Bay of Plenty has been working in consultation with DOC, Rotorua District Council and community interest groups towards geothermal management solutions through the Rotorua Geothermal Plan. This plan is designed to limit fluid abstraction from the field, ensure fluid taken from existing bores is re-injected and end wasteful practices and inefficient resource use.

The main way to limit damage to the field and its features is to make people, both locals and tourists, aware that geothermal features are fragile, easily damaged and usually irreplaceable.

For the future

Rotorua people are guardians of a unique taonga, an intrinsic part of the heritage of our country. The geothermal field and its features need our protection from those who would, through ignorance or greed, destroy it. People who take advantage of its attributes now need to nurture this fragile treasure so they can pass it on proudly to future generations.

Perhaps most damaging of all is the attitude that geothermal surface features ecosystems are just a part of Rotorua; there to be used, rather than actively protected.

We have inherited kaitiakitanga of a unique taonga. In order to ensure that our geothermal heritage is preserved for the future, we must act now. It is vital to protect and rehabilitate the surface features and ecosystems that are the expression of geothermal activity in Rotorua.

Geothermal areas are by their very nature dangerous sites to visit. Often what appears safe is not. When visiting a geothermal site one should take extreme care at all times to protect both yourself and the environment:

• Keep to the tracks

• Do not pick plants

• Do not walk on silica terraces

• Do not ride bicycles (unless this is specifically provided for)

• Do not drop rubbish or throw stones onto geothermal features.

• Protect our geothermal heritage.Don't tolerate those who would destroy it.

• Be active in management opportunities!

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