21 May 2006
Memorabilia, memories to mark 50 years of Roxburgh hydro
New Zealand’s longest-serving large hydro-electric scheme, the Roxburgh Dam and Power Station, turns 50 years old this
year and Contact Energy is planning a commemorative open day to mark the occasion.
Commissioned in 1956 after four difficult years of construction, the 320 megawatt Roxburgh Power Station was the largest
of its kind in the Southern Hemisphere, producing enough renewable electricity to power around 300,000 homes.
Contact Energy’s Manager of the Roxburgh Power Station, Graham Quinn, said the dam had made a huge contribution to New
Zealand’s power supply over 50 years and was an engineering marvel giving the technology available in the 1950s.
“We are planning a commemorative day on 21 October for all locals and those people who have worked on the construction
or the operation of the dam over the years,” he said.
Anybody with any photos, memorabilia or stories to tell relating to the dam, or people wishing to register their
interest in the commemorative function, please contact Cathy at the Roxburgh Dam on 0800 4ROX50 (0800476950) or visit
http://www.mycontact.co.nz/view?page=/forhome/aboutus/energygeneration/roxburgh50years
“The Roxburgh Power Station has been an important part of New Zealand’s development into a modern economy, supplying the
country with large amounts of clean, renewable electricity for 50 years.
“The Roxburgh Dam has become a defining part of the local Roxburgh community and a key part of New Zealand’s energy
infrastructure.
“We hope that anyone with an interest in the dam will come forward with their stories and pictures, and visit the dam
and mark this occasion with us on October 21,“ said Mr Quinn.
ENDS