Invited guests gathered at the Wairere Power Station near Piopio on Wednesday 17 December to commemorate its 100th anniversary and celebrate the legacy of one of New Zealand’s earliest hydroelectric schemes.
The private event, attended by iwi, hapū, community leaders, friends, and staff past and present, paid tribute to the station’s enduring role in powering the King Country. The day also recognised the strong environmental partnership between King Country Energy (KCE) and iwi, particularly in the protection of the elver migration along the Mōkau River.
KCE General Manager Chris Fincham described Wairere as being, above all, ‘a story about people and place’.
“For 100 years this station has helped light homes, farms and businesses across the King Country, and each generation of operators, engineers, and local whānau has played a part in that story.
“We see ourselves as custodians rather than owners; the baton was passed to us, and one day it will be passed on again. Our responsibility is to look after the station, the Mōkau River, and the communities around it so they remain healthy and thriving for future generations. Working alongside iwi to protect the tuna (eel) population is a big part of that, and it’s work we’re proud to continue.”
As operators of the scheme Contact Energy’s Todd Mead described Wairere as a small station with a significant technical history.
“For a century it has delivered reliable renewable generation for the King Country, adapting through multiple eras of engineering and design. As the current operator, Contact Energy is focused on ensuring the station continues to perform safely, efficiently and to a high standard.
“We’re also working alongside KCE and iwi partners on ongoing enhancements to support the health of the Mōkau River, including improvements to native fish passage. It’s a privilege to help maintain an asset with such longstanding importance to the region.”
Commissioned in December 1925, Wairere has been a cornerstone of the district’s electricity supply for a century. The scheme was originally developed by the Wairere Power Board, which later became part of the Waitomo Power Board in 1976. One of the Power Board’s last directors, Russell Aldridge, attended the centenary celebration.
Honouring the people connected to Wairere
Wairere’s long history is closely tied to the many people and families who helped build, operate, and care for it.
For generations, the area has been home to hapū of Ngāti Maniapoto — including Ngāti Te Paemate and Ngāti Waiora — whose history and connection to the land and river are acknowledged in signage at the station. KCE continues to work alongside iwi and hapū representatives to protect native fish species and develop improved fish passage solutions for the scheme.
Te Whare ki Mōkau ki Runga representative, Anne Lemieux, acknowledged the collective effort leading up to the commemorations.
“We would like to thank the whānau who supported the development of the storyboard, those involved in carrying out elver translocations alongside KCE, and KCE for their collaboration on the day.”
The event was also attended by Ngāti Rereahu from the upper catchment area.
The event also recognised the contribution of long-serving operator Barney Aldridge, who spent more than 30 years working at Wairere. Barney, the son of former Power Board director Russell Aldridge, passed away in 2017. His wife, Lynne Aldridge, attended the commemoration, alongside family members.
Another part of Wairere’s story is former operator Graham Joseph “Joe” Le Gallais, who died in 1959 following an incident while working at the station. Several members of his family attended to honour his memory and acknowledge the role early operators played in keeping the region supplied with electricity.
These stories, and many more shared on the day, reflect the deep intergenerational connection between the station, the river, and the people who have lived and worked around Wairere for the past 100 years.
Wairere Next Generation Scholarship Announced
To mark the milestone, King Country Energy announced the Wairere Next Generation Scholarship, two grants of up to $5,000 to support young people with connections to the Mōkau River and Mōkauiti Stream in pursuing tertiary study, trade training or apprenticeships.
“The Wairere Next Generation Scholarship honours the bond between the station, the river and the local community,” said Chris Fincham. “It’s a way of recognising our shared history while helping young people take their next step in education or training.”
More information is available on the KCE website.
Looking ahead to the next 100 years
As Wairere Power Station enters its second century, KCE remains committed to sustainable hydropower generation, environmental protection, and the partnerships that underpin both.