Ker, D.S.; Smith, N.; King, P.R.; Wyss, R.J.; Brown, L.J. 1990 Sheet QM 321 Hawera : geological resource map of New Zealand 1:250 000. Lower Hutt: New Zealand Geological Survey. New Zealand Geological Survey report M 169. 75 p.
Abstract:
Sheet QM321 (Hawera) contains the only onshore commercially producing hydrocarbon (oil, condensate, and gas) deposits in New Zealand, at Kapuni, McKee, and Kaimiro. Further exploration in the Taranaki Basin is continuing. Titanomagnetite is the only significant metallic mineral found in the region. Between 1971-86 Waipipi titanomagnetite sands were mined and concentrated providing the basis for an important, profitable, bulk export industry. Aggregates suitable and necessary for roading and the construction industry are poorly distributed. Valuable high quality greywacke alluvium of varying quality is used where specifications allow, to reduce transport costs. The scarcity of hard rocks over wide areas has encouraged the use of lower grade roading and rip rap substitutes such as coquina limestone. Pumice sand is produced for industrial purposes from beneath terraces adjacent to the low reaches of Wanganui River. Two coalfields at Tangarakau and Retaruke have historically produced high sulphur sub-bituminous coal from thin seams. Clay from a variety of source has historically been used for bricks, pipes, and pottery. The Kaitake Range contains traces of copper, gold, silver, lead, zinc, and molybdenum, and associated with mineral springs, cobalt, nickel, ochre, manganese, travertine, and gypsum. Groundwater resources can be selectively located in a range of rock types but large yields are restricted principally to the gravels and sands comprising modern flood plains and coastal areas.
