Utility value

In 1993 there were 503 users on the Rotorua field that had authorised geothermal bores or were licensed for access to geothermal resource.  Many people, particularly those who live on the Whakarewarewa Reserve, have used the geothermal resource for cooking, heating and bathing for many generations. 

Over the years, the use of the geothermal resource would have saved the users many thousands of dollars each year. These savings would be spent elsewhere in the local economy. In the past properties in Rotorua which were 'on the geothermal' were considered to be worth around $30,000 more than homes which relied on conventional heating, however, nowadays the premium is only around $5,000.