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Site of the power house and route of pipe line, Mangahao hydro electric power scheme

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Description: One of a series taken by Charles Wildbore between 1922 - 1924, recording the construction of the Mangahao electric power scheme. The power house was constructed at the foot of the ridge in the centre distance (to the right of the woooden building on stilts). The route along which the pipe line was constructed can be seen extending from the top of the ridge to the power house site. The Mangahao Power Station is a hydroelectric power station near the town of Shannon, Horowhenua. After being delayed by World War One, access roading and foundation testing was started by late 1919 and the station opened in November 1924. It makes use of Mangahao River, through a series of tunnels and piplines totaling 4.8 kilometers, in the Tararua Ranges. Mangahao Power Station became the power station for Wellington, Horowhenua, Taranaki, Hawkes Bay, and the Wairarapa. As of 2012, it is jointly owned and operated by Todd Energy and King Country Energy.