International Workshop on Mineral Scaling in a Geothermal Environment, 2011

Technical and panel discussions on 25th and 26th May were followed by a field trip on 27 May to Makiling-Banahaw Geothermal Field of CGPHI where participants viewed one of Chevron's well-managed geothermal fields. The trip became more exciting as participants took a glimpse of the world's famous Taal Volcano in Batangas Province.

The workshop was held at the Hotel Intercontinental Manila, Makati in the Philippines. Click here to view workshop programme.

NZGA Annual General Meeting

Held on 23rd November at University of Auckland, Owen G Glenn Building, we Grafton Road, Auckland

GeoNZ 2010 Incorporating the New Zealand Geothermal Workshop

In November last year, the New Zealand Geothermal Workshop and the Geoscience Society of New Zealand held a joint conference in Auckland showcasing the latest and best in New Zealand geoscience research, geothermal science, and geothermal engineering. The meeting included an overlap day with the annual meeting of the New Zealand branch of the Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy, AusIMM.

The theme for the meeting was"Research · Economy · Frontiers" and we particularly encouraged abstract submissions that explored the interplay of pure and applied research and showcased the application of fundamental research in the commercial marketplace.

The event was held from 21st to 24th November 2010, at the University of Auckland. Click here for more details.

Post-Grad Certificate in Geothermal Energy Technology, 2010

This was a one semester academic course (60 points) aimed at training engineering and science graduates for work in the geothermal industry

The course was held at the University of Auckland, Department of Engineering Science and Faculty of Engineering. Click here for more details

Fundamentals of the New Zealand Electricity Industry, 2010

Gain an understanding of electricity jargon and technical terms; Understand how the electricity industry and the market operate; Get an outlook on future trends for the industry. Held from 5th to 6th May at the Duxton Hotel, Auckland and from 31st May to 1st June at the Museum Hotel, Wellington. Click here for details.

World Geothermal Congress 2010

Energy Independence Powered by Geothermal, Bali International Convention Centre, Nusa Dua, Bali, Indonesia, click here for more details. Click here for details on a range of sponsorship needs and opportunities.

IBC Asia Geothermal Energy Conference

The IBC Asia Geothermal Energy Conference, Rotorua from 7th to10th December 2009 at the Sheraton Towers, Singapore. The theme was "Accelerating Asia's Geothermal Development", click here for details).

Clean Energy Summit and Expo 2009

The Clean Energy Summit and Expo 2009 was held at the Hyatt Regency Centre, Auckland from 1st & 2nd December 2009. The theme was "Creating innovative and new energy resources for a brighter future", click here for details).

31st New Zealand Geothermal Workshop

The 31st New Zealand Geothermal Workshop was held at the Rotorua Convention Centre, Rotorua from 16th to 18th November 2009. The theme was "Geothermal and the Marketplace", click here for details).

Acoustic Borehole Image Interpretation Course (GNS Science and Tiger Energy Services)

The Acoustic Borehole Image Interpretation Course (GNS Science and Tiger Energy Services) was held at Bayview Wairakei Resort on 20th August 2009, click here for details).

New Zealand Geothermal Association Seminar

The New Zealand Geothermal Association Seminar was held at Bayview Wairakei Resort on 19th August 2009. The theme was "Monitoring Developed Geothermal Resources", click here for details and here for the programme.

New Zealand Geothermal Association Seminar 2008

The New Zealand Geothermal Association Seminar held at Taupo Great Lake Centre on 13th November 2008. The theme was "Geothermal - Sustainable Development" (This is linked to Wairakei 50th celebration, click here for details).

30th New Zealand Geothermal Association Workshop 2008

The 30th New Zealand Geothermal Association Workshop was held at Taupo Great Lake Centre from 11th to 12th November 2008. The theme was "Celebrating 30 Years of Geothermal Workshops and Training" (This is linked to Wairakei 50th celebration, click here for details).

IEA Geothermal Sustainability Modelling Workshop 2008

The IEA Geothermal Sustainability Modelling Workshop was held in Taupo Great Lake Centre on 10th November 2008.

Wairakei 50th Celebrations 2008

These are special celebrations of the 50th anniversary of commercial operation of the Wairakei Power Station (click here for details).

Geothermal Reservoir Management Seminar 2008

The Geothermal Reservoir Management Seminar was held at GNS Science office, Wairakei in August 2008. This transfer of experience was promoted by NZGA and the Western Pacific Regional Branch of the International Geothermal Association.

NZ Geothermal courses 2008

Courses were held at the University of Auckland. Details can be viewed in March newsletter.

NZ Geothermal Association Seminar & New Zealand Geothermal Workshop 2006

The NZGA Seminar and New Zealand Geothermal Workshop were jointly held at Auckland University in November 2006. As usual this was a great opportunity to meet across the industry, gain insights into areas of progress and feel the overall pulse of activity. Jeanette Fitzsimons and Doug Heffernan provided keynote talks that set a high tone for the event, showing the role that geothermal development can play in the thinking of national politicians and at the highest levels of our experienced generators. The event was also well supported by various parties with an interest in generation, including Mitsubishi, Fuji, Ormat and Geodynamics who were able to outline progress in their respective areas. It was a great programme organised by Jane Brotheridge and Stuart Simmons, and our sincere thanks go to them.

The Seminar and Workshop was again preceded by an introductory short course, giving people with an active interest in geothermal energy an overview of relevant issues, more confidence to pursue their interests and some useful connections.

World Geothermal Congress 2005

The World Geothermal Congress was held in the beautiful and historic city of Antalya, Turkey, in April 2005.

The website for information is http://www.wgc2005.org/

The Congress was attended by 44 New Zealand delegates, many of whom were accompanied by partners and (in one or two cases) by families.

Katherine Luketina of Environment Waikato has written a brief report on the Congress.

Following the Congress, major findings and conclusions were drawn together by an international panel under the International Geothermal Association and have been sent to Energy Ministers and leaders internationally.

Geothermal Wells Seminar

On 22 August 2005 a special NZGA seminar on geothermal wells was held at the GNS office at Wairakei, and was attended by over 30 people from the industry. The speakers included Stephen Bauer (from Sandia Labs), Keith Lichti (from MPT) and Paul Bixley (working with MRP).

The invitation to Stephen Bauer came from contacts made at the WGC, and was made in recognition of the major drilling programs now being undertaken by New Zealand developers.

The invitation to Stephen was made under the umbrella of the Geothermal Implementing Agreement of the International Energy Agency in collaboration with the US Department of Energy, and with the support of the New Zealand Trade and Enterprise under their World Class New Zealander Fund Program.

NZTE also hosted a special dinner after the seminar attended by Taupo's mayor and other geothermal interests.
Stephen was also able to spend time with individuals and companies for the week he was in New Zealand.

New Zealand Geothermal Workshop and NZGA Seminar 2005

On 27 October 2005 the 27th New Zealand Geothermal Workshop was held at the Park Heritage Hotel, Rotorua. The New Zealand Geothermal Workshop is a forum for the exchange of information on all aspects of geothermal resources both for New Zealand and worldwide. Abstracts may be downloaded from the 2005 Workshop.

The Workshop was followed the next day by the NZGA Seminar, also at the Park Heritage Hotel. This drew participants from industry, regional councils, and local and central government and had a focus on direct heat use.

There were almost 80 at the Geothermal Workshop and 70 at the NZGA seminar while another 19 attended the training day prior to this. To have attracted this many from a membership of about 130 was indeed gratifying and we believe it reflects the very active geothermal scene. We were most grateful for the sponsorship from EECA for the conference and for the support from NZ Trade and Enterprise through Steve Tritt to bring John Lund here from the Geoheat Centre in Oregon.

The seminar was opened with a Powhiri and welcome from the Mayor of Rotorua, Kevin Winters. The NZGA dinner, held on the Thursday evening was also particularly successful. We had almost 80 attendees and the highlight of the evening was the presentation of life memberships by John Lund to two former Presidents of the NZGA, Brian Jones and Ian Thain.

NZGA 2004 Annual Seminar

The NZGA held its 2004 annual seminar in December with participation by representatives from industry, regional councils, and local and central government. Copies of all papers presented were made available to all participants.

Expressions of interest in the upcoming seminar should be addressed to the Association Executive Officer. The 2005 seminar will be held in Rotorua with a focus on direct heat use. It will be held in conjunction with the New Zealand Geothermal Workshop and a one day introductory course on geothermal energy.

Previous Geothermal Jobs

Director, Geothermal Institute - Faculty of Engineering, Auckland University

Closing date: Friday, 22 July 2011. Auckland University are seeking an outstanding professional to lead the Geothermal Institute, developing and implementing the University's geothermal energy education and research strategy. Download (PDF 44.3 KB).

Geothermal Geophysicist Specialist, GNS Science

Closing date: Sunday, 14 August 2011. GNS Science are seeking geophysicists to join the expanding geothermal team at GNS Science (Wairakei Research Centre, Taupo). Download (PDF 93.3 KB).

Lead Electricial Engineer & Leader Mechanical Engineer, Contact Energy

Lead Electricial Engineer job description Download (PDF 40.1 KB).

Lead Mechanical Engineer job description Download (PDF 40.5 KB).