# Geothermal

_We work to ensure the integrated sustainable management of the regions geothermal systems._

Toi Moana Bay of Plenty Regional Council works to ensure the integrated sustainable management of the region’s geothermal systems.

Geothermal is a critical part of our region’s economy, culture and heritage. As well as providing energy, power, tourism and wellness opportunities, the cultural significance and historical uses are part of our national identity. As a region, we are blessed to have this amazing natural resource.

In the Bay of Plenty, geothermal activity is associated with areas of active or recently active tectonic movement.

Deeply circulating ground waters are heated by molten magma, and the fluid is trapped within porous rocks. In some cases, heated water rises naturally along fault planes and fractured rock to produce surface features (like mud pools, geysers and hot springs), while in other cases geothermal energy is only accessible by drilling deep bores.

Most systems in our region lie within the Taupo Volcanic Zone, which extends southwards into the Waikato region and offshore to Whakaari/White Island in the north.

Read the [full report on geothermal in the Bay of Plenty](https://atlas.boprc.govt.nz/api/v1/edms/document/A3957052/content "full report").