Kaimai Power Scheme

Location
Kaimai Range
Bay of Plenty

Commissioned
1972

Max Capacity
42.1 MW

Annual Output
169 GWh

The Kaimai Power Scheme is located in the Kaimai Ranges west of Tauranga. The scheme is ‘run of river’ with daily storage and has a maximum capacity of 42 MW generating approximately 169 GWh annually.

The scheme, commissioned between 1972 and 1994, consists of four stations (Lloyd Mandeno, Lower Mangapapa, Ruahihi and Kaimai 5) with small (daily) storage lakes linked via a large network of canals and tunnels.

Electricity generation in this catchment dates back to 1915 when the Omanawa Falls power station was built to supply Tauranga, followed by McLaren Falls Station in 1925.

The Kaimai scheme opens up a superb, accessible recreation area popular for fishing, kayaking, picnicking and running. Water is released through the Lake McLaren Dam up to 26 days a year, providing high flows for white water kayakers from the Kaimai Canoe Club, and local white water rafting businesses.

Click here for release dates for the 2024/25 season.