With energy being an increasing headache for greenhouse growers that heat for all or part of the year, the project that we're running with Earth Sciences (previously GNS Science) and Vegetables NZ with part funding from MPI, is looking to map the availability of geothermal heat specifically for the greenhouse industry. This will focus on the top part of NZ - the Auckland region, North Waikato and the Bay of Plenty. Different sources of information from known bore temperatures to the make up of the land, along with approximate depths and costings will be included.

The first version of this online tool will be released in Q1 2026 with feedback helping to refine the content. In the meantime, have a look at the brochure below that showcases examples from round the world of geoheat being used by the greenhouse industry. You can also look here for more information about this project.

As we saw in Europe, geoheat is one option for greenhouse growers as a potential heating source. We will continue to advocate on your behalf that it isn't a one size fits all approach though.