Maraetai Work Earlier

Press, Volume CIII, Issue 30481, 1 July 1964, Page 3

Maraetai Work Earlier

(N.Z Press Association)

ROTORUA, June 30.

Because of a need to meet an increasing power demand work could start again on the Maraetai II hydroelectric scheme by at least 1970, the Minister of Electricity (Mr Shand) said today.

He said this when speculation in the Taupo district on the future of Mangakind was referred to him. Mr Shand said that on information now ‘ available, it seemed fairly clear the demand for power, particularly at the peak, was increasing more rapidly than was envisaged a year ago. Maraetai II had been “put into mothballs” on the basis that it might be gone ahead with in 1972-73. It appeared possible this could now be in 1970. There was also a possi-

bility it might be brought in with the Upper Waikato scheme when more water would be available. The whole matter would be gone into thoroughly by the power planning committee, Mr Shand said. He said the Government had not said Maraetai II would never be needed. In recent years, plans have been considered for the Taupo County Council to take over the administration of Mangakino at the end of work on the lower Waikato river projects. . At present the council’s proposals are under consideration by the Government. The order to cease work on Maraetai II was made on September 14, 1961, by the then Minister of Electricity (Mr Goosman). At that time the project was two-thirds completed, and 500 men living at Mangakino were employed there. To date, just under £4 million has been spent on Marae-

tai ll—including the cost of putting the scheme into “mothballs” after the closure. It is estimated that to complete the scheme now would cost a further £2 million. The original cost of the project was estimated at £5.5 million. If an order to restart Maraetai II was given, it would take six months to restore the labour force and services and for construction to reach a peak. A work force of about 200 men would be required to Complete the job over a number of years.

Since the closure steel work such as the penstocks and powerhouse fittings have deteriorated, but they would be reclaimed. They would have to be sandblasted. The tail-race below the power house has become flooded and silted up, and would have to be cleaned out and de-watered. Pumps in the power house would have to be replaced.