4 Dec 2025: Fenton Street geothermal bore
Media: Rotorua Daily Post
Topic: Fenton Street bore
Enquiry
I was sent the below press release from Kainga Ora and was wondering what the council's involvement, if any, has been in this.
- Does the council manage the bore?
- If so, how are bores dangerous if they reach the end of their life/need to be capped etc?
- How long do they normally last?
- Has this resulted from a failure to manage the bore properly or is it routine?
Is someone able to get back to me by midday today if possible?
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Kāinga Ora Supports Residents to Relocate from 2six5 on Fenton
Residents living in a transitional housing complex at 2six5 on Fenton in Rotorua are being supported to move into other housing because a geothermal bore used to provide heating and hot water to the site has reached the end of its operational life. WorkSafe has advised the bore needs to be either capped or replaced by February. These types of issues are not uncommon in Rotorua, and WorkSafe’s involvement is standard practice.
The site has 30 units. Some households have been relocated already, with twelve still to be supported into other accommodation by February. While transitional housing is always intended to be a temporary form of accommodation where whānau can receive the support they need to then move into more appropriate stable housing, we appreciate this issue could be unsettling for those affected.
As owner of the site, Kāinga Ora carefully considered whether residents could remain onsite while work is completed. However, it would be very disruptive and would result in extended periods of time where residents would have no hot water or heating.
Wera Aotearoa Charitable Trust (WACT), which manages the 2six5 on Fenton complex, continues to work closely with residents to match them with alternative housing options. This includes Kāinga Ora homes in the Rotorua region. The Ministry of Housing and Urban Development will continue to support WACT throughout this transition process to ensure residents are well supported into accommodation that meets their needs.
We are currently considering future options for the site, taking into account the bore and potential other work required.
Response
We provided the following information:
Does the council manage the bore?
No, it is a private bore.
If so, how are bores dangerous if they reach the end of their life/need to be capped etc?
They are not dangerous if grouted.
How long do they normally last?
A properly constructed bore should last about 50 years.
Has this resulted from a failure to manage the bore properly or is it routine?
No, it is routine.
