A deal's been made with New Zealand’s Aluminium Smelter to keep the smelter at Tiwai operating for the next 20 years.  

The agreement includes a significant demand response deal to make more electricity available for the country when it may be required during times of high demand. 

It also has commitments for the environmental remediation of the smelter site. 

Invercargill Mayor Nobby Clark told Kerre Woodham that this is outstanding news for the region. 

He said that there was a nervousness as to how much power Tiwai needs and where that power could be diverted to other industries, but it seems as though power companies are able to deal with both. 

It’s outstanding, Clark said, as they have other industries wanting to make their way into Invercargill. 

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