Coleridge Power Station
Location
Rakaia River Catchment
Canterbury
Commissioned
1914
Max Capacity
39.5 MW
Annual Output
270 GWh
Lake Level
...
The first feasibility studies into the suitability of the Coleridge area for hydro-generation were carried out in 1906. Coleridge was built to supply power to Christchurch and construction of the station and dam began in 1911. It was the New Zealand Government’s first major hydro-electric generation scheme.
Lake Coleridge is a popular for fishing and boating and there is public access to the river, boat launching, and a freedom camping area at the head of the lake.
Manawa Energy works with Braid (Braided River Aid) on environmental projects particularly with respect to native bird species including weed control and predator trapping. There is also a fish pass at the Wilberforce River Diversion.
We also contribute to the Coleridge Habitat Enhancement Trust and Rakaia Environmental Enhancement Society groups, which carry out and provide funding to environmental projects in the area.
