A Case Study On Changing Hydropower Norms and Hydropower in New Zealand: The Kaimai Hydropower Scheme

Abstract

The Kaimai Hydroelectric Power Scheme is an invaluable piece of New Zealand’s renewable energy infrastructure and key part of their plan to be carbon neutral by 2050. This is in spite of the reckless way it was built in 1970, with little consideration given to protect the local environment and ecology while also ignoring the cultural concerns of the local Māori population. Now for the first time it must reapply for water use rights in a world where the norms and practices in this area have dramatically shifted. Through the lens of the energy cultures framework as well as interviews with stakeholders and and analysis of direct sources the informal and formal pressures shaping licensing and resource management decisions in New Zealand will be analysed and the implications discussed. With the climate crisis looming a project like the Kaimai Scheme would be invaluable to add to any nations energy portfolio as it has a low ecological footprint and provides consistent energy even in dry years. This paper shows how shifting dynamics regarding norms, profit motives and competing incentives have led to an environment where building such a project in the present day is functionally impossible. Further it will demonstrate the interplay and dynamics between stakeholders that has led to this and discuss how dynamics could be shifted to change the outcome in the future.