Power from the Motu

In addition to the news of the £2,750,000 Waipaoa scheme, the Government announced early this month that plans for a chain of power stations on the Motu River were being considered by the Ministry of Works.

The plans (see map) envisage the ultimate construction of four stations. The top station on the River is sited about 35 miles as the crow flies from Gisborne city, and about double that distance by road.

The Motu River flows in some of the most rugged of North Island country, heavily forested and almost uninhabited over most of its length (from Motu to the sea, 68 miles).

For the aerial pictures shown here, we are indebted to Mr Ian Faulkner, of Muriwai.

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Famous whirlpool on Motu is near Mangaotane dam site.

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The Motu-Mangaotane junction area is considered suitable for dam

Road access to Waitangirua and Houpoto projects will not give much trouble, but the problem of access to the two intermediate sites is a formidable one.

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A splendid view of the Motu Valley in the middle reaches, taken from a position a little below the Mangaotane site. Takaputahi River comes in on left near slip.

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A typical gorge section in the middle reaches.

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Below: Near Waitangirua, where the topmost dam site has been selected.