The 2025 New Zealand Geothermal Workshop brought together the geothermal community across Aotearoa and internationally for three days of powerful kōrero, technical exchange, and connection.  

It was great to be back in Rotorua, the heart of New Zealand’s geothermal story, where the Sir Howard Morrison Centre set the stage for this year’s workshop. With over 400 in attendance, a vibrant mix of researchers, industry professionals, iwi representatives, and government explore the future of geothermal energy.  

Day 1: Resetting the Conversation on Geothermal 

The conference opened with framing remarks from Hon. Shane Jones (Minister for Regional Development, Resources, Oceans and Fisheries, Associate Minister for Finance and Energy) and Hon Tim Groser, who spoke to the opportunity for a major shift in attitude toward geothermal. “We’re on the cusp of a reset” Groser noted, urging New Zealand to seize the global momentum around geothermal energy and innovation. 

Dr Saeid Jalilinasrabady (Earth Sciences NZ) delivered a compelling keynote on the DeepHeat research programme. A national initiative led by a consortium including the University of Auckland’s Geothermal Institute, aiming to unlock next generation geothermal potential. 

The Supercritical Geothermal Technology project was identified as a key area of growth, described as a generational opportunity to drive innovation and build a more resilient, low-emissions energy future. 

A strong thread throughout the day was the call for active partnerships across sectors and with iwi and Māori communities. Sessions on Mātauranga Māori and Community Engagement reinforced the cultural significance of geothermal Māori identity and wellbeing. And importantly, the need for Māori to be more than Kaitiaki, but active beneficiaries of geothermal development. 

Industry and council updates closed the day, offering encouraging signs of traction across Aotearoa and internationally. 

Day 2: Global Perspectives and Local Progress 

Day two opened with a keynote from Prof Eva Schill (Geothermal Systems Lead, Lawrence Berkley National Laboratory), who shared leading-edge developments from the US in a session titled Unlocking Earth’s Deep Heat: The Next Frontier of US Geothermal Energy. 

This was followed by a global outlook presented by Mike Allen (NZGA) and Greg Ussher (Jacobs), two of New Zealand’s most internationally engaged geothermal experts, who provided insights on the rapidly evolving global market, with further updates from NZGA and NZTE representatives from Philippines, Taiwan and Indonesia. 

Technical sessions covered a wide range of topics from reservoir modelling, drilling and well testing to international research collaboration, including NZ’s role in the IEA Geothermal Technology Collaboration Programme. 

Other highlights included a walking field trip to Rotorua’s Gardens–Ngāpuna thermal area, led by Marianna Zuquim (Geothermal Institute) and Katherine Luketina (Waikato Regional Council), showcasing local surface features and direct-use applications. 

The conference dinner provided a relaxed setting to unwind and connect. Attendees rode the gondola up to Rotorua’s Stratosfare Restaurant, where good food, great company, and conversations continued well into the evening – rain and all.

Day 3: Celebrating Excellence and Innovation 

Day 3 kicked off on a high note with the announcement of this year’s prize winners – Congratulations to all award recipients! 

The conference wrapped up with a sense of momentum and possibility for the future with a standout session from Mercury on the use of autonomous vehicles to reduce high-risk exposure in geothermal operations – complete with a live demo of their on-site robot!
 

Special thanks to our sponsors, with particular appreciation for our gold sponsors: Mercury, Halliburton and Geothermal Mapping for their generous support. And of course, a big thank you to the NZGW Committee, especially Di Whiting, Tessa Campbell and the events team for bringing together another outstanding event.