More Info →Mangahao Electric Power Scheme

The view shows the tram line coming up and over the ridge and down to the waters edge. Writing on the back of the photo reads, "Some days when we are fortunate to experience fine weather, a walk through the bush to Blackwood Creek bridge is not only delightful, but refreshing too'. 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.