SPA PLAN: The Ngawha Ginn Spa baths may combine with the Waiariki pools, top right, to develop a geothermal tourist attraction to rival Rotorua, Taupo and Hanmer Springs. PICTURE/DEBBIE BEADLE.
SPA PLAN: The Ngawha Ginn Spa baths may combine with the Waiariki pools, top right, to develop a geothermal tourist attraction to rival Rotorua, Taupo and Hanmer Springs. PICTURE/DEBBIE BEADLE.
New geothermal attraction mooted
Far North lines network operator and electricity generator Top Energy has acquired the Ngawha Ginn Spa baths and farm as part of a land acquisition deal believed to cover nearly 200ha of the geothermal field.
The company intends to keep operating the facility and has closed it temporarily while it undertakes extensive renovations.
The sale was completed two weeks ago. Details remain confidential.
But Top Energy CEO Russell Shaw said yesterday there was a "tremendous opportunity" to develop a tourist attraction at Ngawha similar to resorts at Rotorua, Taupo and Hanmer Springs.
Top Energy planned to talk to the owners of the Waiariki spa alongside the Ginn baths about a joint development which would retain the cultural values of the area and attract more vistors.
Mr Shaw also said the former Ginn farm was over the hotest part of the geothermal field which was critical to Top Energy plans to increase geothermal power generation at Ngawha from 25 to 75 megawatts.
Three commissioners are to hear the firm's resource consent application for the expansion on August 10.
Mr Shaw said Top Energy had moved swiftly to renovate the new Ngawha Spa as it wanted to re-open the doors as soon as possible.
"At this stage we are completing options and design works to assess the degree of work involved so I'm unable at this stage to say how much the project will cost or when the spa will be re-opened," he said.
"I want to reassure the community that the re-opening will be as soon as possible, though."
Mr Shaw said the spa had "huge potential" but it did require "extensive work" to bring it up to the standards expected by visitors to Northland.
"This is a special place of significant historic and cultural importance. It deserves a little love, care and attention to bring it up to the standard of other attractions in the region. This is exactly what we intend to provide."
Top Energy will advise the community about the proposed re-opening date and other operational details once it has liaised with contractors and completed its renovation plan.
