JNZBC CONFERENCE
INDUSTRY TOUR REGISTRATION FORM
ROTORUA
Tuesday 25th November 2025
*** INDUSTRY TOUR REGISTRATIONS DUE BY 10 NOVEMBER ***
Coaches depart from Novotel for Industry Tour at 12:30pm
INDUSTRY TOUR OPTIONS:
Option 1: Scion group, Bioeconomy Science Institute - Te Papa Tipu Innovation Park
Visit the Rotorua Campus of the New Zealand Institute for Bioeconomy Science to see world leading bioeconomy science and innovations. The Bioeconomy Science Institute (BSI) was formed in July this year through the merger of AgResearch, Plant and Food Research, Manaaki Whenua – Landcare Research, and Scion.
The BSI’s Scion Group is New Zealand’s leading institute in forestry, industrial biotechnology and advanced biomanufacturing. This tour will include a visit to Te Whare Nui O Tuteata, an international-award winning showcase of advanced timber construction, as well as laboratory and engineering facilities that showcase use of sustainable biomass to drive innovation and growth in the bioeconomy.
The visit will include insights into sustainable packing, high-value timber products, bioproducts for health and environment, and innovations to decarbonise global supply chains including world-first research into producing livestock feed from geothermal gases.
Option 2: Tauhara North No.2 Trust -
Nga Awa Purua Power Station
The Nga Awa Purua (NAP) Power Station is a 139-megawatt (MW) net triple flash geothermal plant facility located on the Rotokawa geothermal field near Taupō. Commissioned in 2010, it is the largest single turbine geothermal power station in the southern hemisphere.
The NAP Power Station was designed and constructed by Sumitomo Corporation with the technology and equipment provided by Fuji Electric. Hawkins Construction was responsible for the design and construction of the architectural, civil and structural elements of the station. The NAP Power Station is owned by the NAP Joint Venture with Tauhara North No2 Trust owning 35% and Mercury Energy (previously Mighty River Power) owning 65%. The operation of both Power Stations at Rotokawa managed by Mercury Energy Group
The NAP Power Station will be shut down for maintenance at the time of the visit. For safety reasons, it will not be possible for delegates to go inside the power station building, but the visit will provide at first hand overview of the huge scale of the operation, including the cooling tower, the switching yard and the steam wells. On route to and from the plant and on site, Touhara North No.2 Trust executives will explain the operation of the power station and the way in which the indigenous Maori land owners have come together with Meridian Energy to build a successful business.
Option 3: Wai Ariki Hot Springs & Spa
Wai Ariki Hot Springs & Spa in Rotorua is a premium, culturally-rooted wellness destination. The name “Wai Ariki” means “Chiefly Waters” in recognition of the cultural significance of the spa and its premium positioning on the shore of Lake Rotorua. Wai Ariki Hot Springs & Spa is owned by Ngāti Whakaue iwi, whose ancestoral lands centre on lake Rotorua and Mokoia island.
The architecture, interior design and outdoor spaces of the Spa reflect Māori cultural narratives and geothermal elements. Opened in June 2023 the facility offers a wellness experience integrating Māori healing traditions, geothermal bathing and luxury spa treatments.
The spa includes several beautifully designed geothermal-mineral pools (temperature range roughly 36-39°C) set in a natural lakeside environment enhancing the sense of peace and calm. The facility includes a number of cultural design elements inspired by Ngāti Whakaue narratives, blending geothermal elements (water, mud, steam) with Māori cultural practices and storytelling. Special features include a sky/stargazing pool overlooking Lake Rotorua and Mokoia Island.
Wai Ariki Hot Springs & Spa are offering to provide a guided tour of the facility for delegates covering the history and cultural significance of the site reflected in its architecture and visual displays. It is expected that this would take about 40 minutes after which delegates might like to relax with a coffee or even try the spring waters for themselves (the Spa would be pleased to provide discount tickets) for those who can stay on a bit longer.
INDUSTRY TOUR REGISTRATION FORM
** Due by 10 November **