Reefton Powerhouse Charitable Trust
Commissioned in 1888, Reefton’s historic hydroelectric power scheme was the first public electricity supply in New Zealand. This pioneering project made Reefton the southern hemisphere’s first town with street lighting.
Revitalising the Town of Light title.
Located on the Inangahua River’s south bank, the hydro scheme diverted a portion of the river through a 2km water race to a power station opposite Reefton. This “run-of-river” system harnessed the natural water flow to generate electricity. Sadly, the scheme was decommissioned in 1961 when Reefton joined the national grid.
However, the legacy of this historic site is now being revived. A community initiative aims to restore the scheme, promoting tourism and generating renewable energy through hydroelectricity. The plan involves rebuilding two early powerhouses (1908 and 1935) while preserving the existing foundations, plant remains, and the 2km water race. The original 1888 power station will be interpreted on-site.
Balancing sustainability with heritage preservation, the project proposes a maximum water take of 3.5 cubic meters per second from the Inangahua River, maintaining a minimum flow to protect the crucial trout fishery. A modern, efficient turbine and generator will be installed alongside the rebuilt powerhouses, producing an estimated 150kW of electricity. This electricity will be fed back into the existing Westpower distribution network.
The driving force behind this initiative is the Reefton Powerhouse Charitable Trust, established in 2011. Their vision is to protect, conserve, promote, and educate the public about Reefton’s pioneering role in hydroelectric power generation. By restoring the scheme and generating revenue through electricity sales, the trust aims to ensure ongoing maintenance, support the local community, and celebrate Reefton’s enduring legacy as the “Town of Light.”
Address
District Buller
Town Reefton
Postcode 7830