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Annual Report 2026
28 May 2026
Protecting taonga at Wairua
During the summer outage at the 114-year-old Wairua hydro power station, our focus shifted from electricity generation to protecting life within the river.
Ahead of the planned upgrade Wairua Power Station which started in May 2026, the canal was temporarily closed and drained to prepare for a major clean out. Accumulated silt and dense weed growth had restricted water flow and highlighted the importance of restoring the canal to support future generation requirements.
Before maintenance work commenced, teams carefully entered the canal to rescue and relocate tuna and other taonga species. The operation reflected a strong commitment to environmental stewardship and the protection of local biodiversity, ensuring the upgrade programme began with care for both the infrastructure and surrounding ecosystem.
The work was grounded in meaningful partnership (mahi ngātahi), uniting local hapu such as Te Parawhau ki Korokota, fish ecologist Dr Jacques Boubée, and the Northpower team.
Working side by side in waders and gumboots, the teams safely returned 942 long-fin tuna, 366 short-fin tuna, and 216 elvers and other taonga species to the Wairua River. At the same time, 6,824 pest fish were removed to protect vulnerable native species.
Northpower’s Chief Executive Andrew McLeod says the rescue work reflects a long term commitment.
“We are investing more than $2m in specialist screens and upgrades to support elver and tuna survival at Wairua. This is about operating sustainably, in partnership, for generations to come.”
Our Maintenance Programme Manager Joshua Hodgson says the scale of the mahi reflected the strength of the partnership.
“With Korokota hapu alongside us, we were able to protect what really matters in this river. Their connection to this place made a real difference to the outcome.”
For Te Parawhau ki Korokota kaumātua (elder) John McGrath, the work supports a much bigger story.
“The tuna we rescued are part of one of the world’s greatest migrations – travelling from the Pacific Ocean to rivers like the Wairua, and back again decades later. Protecting them protects whakapapa.”
Among the rescued species was an exceptional long-fin eel estimated to be around 100 years old, a living ancestor returned to its river.
With over a century of continuous operation, Wairua Power Station remains one of Aotearoa’s oldest hydro power stations. This kaupapa strengthens trust with Te Parawhau ki Korokota hapu and ensures the future of the station stays grounded in respect for the river, its species, and its people.
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