But a strategy alone does not deliver outcomes. What matters now is the ecosystem of capability that sits behind it.

New Zealand has built world-class expertise in geothermal science and engineering over many decades. Universities, industry partners, Māori landowners and energy companies have collectively developed technologies and practices that are recognised internationally.

If the strategy is to deliver on its ambition, continued investment in research and development will be essential. Geothermal systems are complex, and the challenges we face –  from accessing deeper resources to more efficient reservoir management – require sustained scientific effort.

Partnership with Māori will also remain central to this future.

Much of New Zealand’s geothermal resource sits on or near Māori land, and Iwi across the country are already significant participants in the sector. Continued collaboration and partnership will ensure geothermal development supports both energy goals and community aspirations.

One of the most exciting areas of work globally is next-generation geothermal technology.

Programmes exploring supercritical geothermal systems, for example, aim to access fluids at temperatures and pressures far beyond those used in conventional geothermal operations. If successful, these systems could unlock dramatically higher energy outputs from a single well and reshape the economics of geothermal power.

New Zealand researchers and industry partners are already contributing to this frontier. With the right support, the country can remain at the leading edge of geothermal innovation while helping develop technologies that will be used in geothermal developments around the world.