Geothermal development history of the Taupo Volcanic Zone

• Early history, exploration and developments of the Taupo Volcanic Zone.
• Second exploration and development period 1949–1973.
• Third exploration and development period 1973–1987.
• The most recent exploration and development period.
• A forward view.

This history starts from a Maori perspective, then after focussing on initial major steps, steadily moves into the modern era. It recognises the significance of geothermal tourism as an early development option.There have been multiple investigation and development phases focused on the Taupo Volcanic Zone (TVZ), with frequent increments in generation over the last 25 years, especially following the establishment of a competitive electricity trading market and a resource management regime (Fig. 1). Growth in the last 10 years has been remarkable, though another development hiatus has arrived. The developments are briefly traced along with the changing roles for government and private developers and support companies through this period. Further details can be found in other papers in this issue.Finally, a brief view is given on possible future development.