In central North Island is the Tongariro Power Scheme, a series of dams, tunnels and water diversions that were engineered from the 1960's to the '80s. It was a four-stage project that began in 1964 and was completed in 1983: the Western Diversion from 1964 to 1971, the Tokaanu project (Rotoaira Diversion) from 1966 to 1973, the eastern diversion from 1969 to 1979, and the Rangipo project (Tongariro Diversion) from 1974 to 1983.
With the extent of the earthmoving and
