History of New Zealand Geothermal Week
A world-class resource, grounded in Taupō
New Zealand Geothermal Week is shaped by one of the most unique energy landscapes in the world, the Taupō Volcanic Zone. Stretching from the Central Plateau through to the Bay of Plenty, this region is home to over 95% of New Zealand’s geothermal generation and some of the most advanced geothermal operations globally.
Geothermal energy plays a critical role in Aotearoa’s energy system, providing reliable, renewable baseload power while also supporting direct heat use across industry, helping to reduce emissions and strengthen resilience.
Beyond energy, the resource underpins innovation across engineering, science, and emerging opportunities in minerals, biotechnology, and sustainable manufacturing.
Māori have a deep and enduring connection to geothermal resources. As kaitiaki, investors, and operators, iwi and hapū are central to the development of the sector, ensuring this taonga is managed with care and long-term responsibility.
The origin of New Zealand Geothermal Week
New Zealand Geothermal Week was established in 2021 to better showcase the depth and breadth of the geothermal sector, building on the NZGA Winter Seminar and expanding it into a broader, multi-day programme.
The intent from the outset was to create a platform that brings industry, community, government, and future talent together, not just to share knowledge, but to highlight the full value of geothermal to Aotearoa’s energy future and regional economies.
Event evolution: 2021 to today
Beyond Generation
The inaugural event set the foundation for what NZ Geothermal Week is today. The theme “Beyond Generation” signalled a shift in how the sector was presented, moving beyond electricity generation to showcase the wider ecosystem of geothermal applications. The programme brought together industry workshops, technical sessions, field trips, school outreach, and public-facing events. A strong emphasis was placed on connecting the sector with the community and highlighting the diversity of careers, technologies, and applications that sit behind geothermal.
2021
Building a Sustainable Future
The second year focused on geothermal’s role in enabling a more sustainable and resilient future. The programme expanded to include deeper industry involvement, with a strong mix of technical expertise, business perspectives, and education engagement. School outreach and STEAM initiatives became a more prominent part of the week, helping to connect students with real-world applications and career pathways in the sector.
2022
Energy Transitions in Aotearoa
By 2023, the event had evolved into a platform for exploring geothermal’s role in the broader energy transition. The theme “Energy Transitions in Aotearoa: The Role of Geothermal” reflected growing national and global focus on decarbonisation, energy security, and the transition to low-emissions systems. Content across the week explored how geothermal integrates with other renewable sources, supports industrial decarbonisation, and contributes to long-term energy resilience.
2023
Geoheat and Direct Use
In 2024, Amplify and the New Zealand Geothermal Association strengthened their partnership to co-host the event, bringing closer alignment across industry leadership and programme delivery. The theme “Geoheat: Every Day, Everyone, Everywhere - Direct and Cascade Use of the Geothermal Resource” highlighted the growing importance of direct geothermal heat use. A stronger focus was placed on real-world applications of geothermal heat across industry, from manufacturing and processing through to commercial and community use. The programme continued to balance technical depth with broader accessibility, ensuring relevance for both industry and the wider public.
2024
Geothermal: New Zealand’s Global Opportunity
The 2025 event marked a significant step forward in both scale and reach. This theme highlighted the growing international relevance of New Zealand’s geothermal expertise, positioning the sector as a key contributor to global decarbonisation and energy resilience. The programme featured a diverse mix of industry-led workshops, field trips, panel discussions, student engagement, and public events, reflecting the full breadth of the sector. The week also provided a platform for major industry moments, including the launch of the Government’s draft geothermal strategy, the Geoheat Business Guide, and the Aotearoa Geothermal Companies Directory. Public engagement remained a key part of the event, reinforcing the connection between the industry and the community.
2025
A growing platform for connection and impact
Since its launch, New Zealand Geothermal Week has evolved into a dynamic showcase of geothermal innovation, capability, and collaboration. Over its first five years, the event has grown into a nationally significant platform that brings together industry leaders, researchers, policymakers, businesses, students, and the wider community.
It continues to play an important role in:
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Showcasing New Zealand’s geothermal capability to the world
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Supporting investment, innovation, and industry growth
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Connecting businesses with opportunities and partnerships
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Building awareness of career pathways and future workforce needs
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Strengthening the connection between the sector and the community