Looking for power

Looking for power

At the beginning of the 20th century the New Zealand government hesitated over the future of Lake Manapouri.

The lake was one of the country’s best-known scenic destinations. But it held clear hydroelectric potential. Government Engineer PS Hay concluded in 1904: 'It is not likely, for scenic reasons, that a high dam would be built at Manapouri. The present beauty of the lake is worth preserving to the fullest extent.'

The New Zealand Sounds Hydro-Electric Concessions Ltd was founded in 1925, and received a government licence to assess and implement power-scheme initiatives. The company's most pressing task was to convince the government and the country that hydropower offered a viable and profitable path to the future.

As part of its promotional strategy, the company commissioned a photographer to document sites marked for industrial development.

A series of beautiful panoramic photographs was prepared. At first glance they look like products for the tourist market. However, each photograph has a caption noting the impact that this proposed development would have on the region. The caption for this panorama reads: 'Taken from near the lake and the proposed tunnel.'

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