The Benmore Power Station at Ōtemātātā, South Island, is the power source for the high voltage direct current link to the North Island. Construction on the Benmore project began in 1958 and the power station was opened in 1965 to coincide with the completion of the Benmore to Haywards H.V.D.C. link.
Benmore Dam is the largest earth dam in New Zealand and, at 118 metres to crest, is also the highest. Impounded behind it is New Zealand’s largest man-made lake which provides various recreation facilities. In front of the dam the massive pre-stressed concrete penstocks are a unique feature.
Benmore penstock, July 2004. Photograph courtesy of R. Aspden.
Designed and constructed by New Zealand's Ministry of Works and the Electricity Department, the power station contributes about 2200 Gigawatt Hours per year to New Zealand's national grid.
Benmore Dam, 2004. Photograph courtesy of R. Aspden.
The development and construction of the Benmore Power Station, and the link to Haywards in the North Island, was of national interest and featured in several documentaries including, Selwyn Toogood's 1964 film These New Zealanders (below) and later Inter-Island Power (1966).
Meridian Energy Limited owns the Benmore Power Station and other facilities around New Zealand.
Benmore dam (15 March 1969). Whites Aviation Ltd: Photographs. Ref: WA-68479-F. Alexander Turnbull Library, Wellington, New Zealand. http://natlib.govt.nz/records/23009793.
Heritage recognition
IPENZ “Engineering to 1990” project
This item of New Zealand’s engineering heritage was recognised as part of the IPENZ “Engineering to 1990” project, which the Institution organised to help celebrate the country’s sesquicentenary in 1990. A plaque was unveiled to mark the significance of this power station as part of the development of the nation.
More information
Location
Waitaki River near Ōtemātātā, North Otago.
Access
Proceed up the Waitaki valley from Ōamaru on State Highway 83, then right opposite Ōtemātātā. There is well signposted lookout that provides a good view of the facilities.
Further reading
B. J. Butcher, 'Concrete for Benmore Power Project,' New Zealand Engineering, Vol.20:1, 1965.
H. C. Hitchcock, 'Main generating and electrical equipment for Benmore Power Station,' New Zealand Engineering, Vol.20:1, 1965.
O. T. Jones, 'Design of Benmore Earth Dam,' New Zealand Engineering, Vol.20:1, 1965.
T. Story, 'Earthmoving for Benmore Earth Dam,' New Zealand Engineering, Vol.20:1, 1965.
Location
Benmore Power Station is at Waitaki River near Ōtemātātā, North Otago.
