'Save Manapouri' share certificate

'Save Manapouri' share certificate

By 1970, the Government-constructed hydropower station at Lake Manapouri was operational. The decision to build a power station at Manapouri was itself controversial. But the proposal to raise the lake by 8.2 metres to maximise the power station's output was met with a wave of protest.

The 'Save Manapouri' campaign was based around raising public awareness, lobbying pressure groups, and mobilising opposition through public meetings and protest marches.

'Save Manapouri' share certificates were one of the most successful elements of the campaign. Issued by the National Save Manapouri Campaign based in Wellington, the certificates were designed by artist John Drawbridge and printed by John Henderson.

The certificates sold at 50 cents a share and offered a 'perpetual dividend' – the retention of Lake Manapouri in its natural state. The share certificates raised funds for the campaign and promoted the 'Save Manapouri' message by making the New Zealand public 'shareholders' in the lake.

Permission of the National Library of New Zealand Te Puna Mātauranga o Aotearoa must be obtained before any reuse of this image

Find Out More