A history of geothermal direct use development in the Taupo Volcanic Zone, New Zealand

New Zealand's direct geothermal energy use is focussed in the Taupo Volcanic Zone, with the majority being commercial and industrial installations near Rotorua, Taupo and Kawerau. Bathing is the oldest and most numerous use of geothermal resources, but industrial process heat uses the most energy. Historical growth of direct use has not shown a trend of steady growth or constant development over time. Rather, geothermal energy use has had periods of growth, decline and little or no change. This paper examines four phases of growth over the past 60+ years, and reviews some of the developments that have occurred.