The Benmore hydroelectric scheme and Cook Strait cable were an essential part of the national grid, built to feed power from the South Island to the North Island. Power also flows in the other direction. Power shortages at certain times of year in one island can be dealt with by hydro generation in the other island – river flow peaks in the South Island during spring and summer, and in the North Island during winter.
Te whakamahi i tēnei tūemi
Archives New Zealand - Te Rua Mahara o te Kāwanatanga
Reference:
Pictorial Parade 166. National Film Unit, 1965
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