Ōtaki part-way through major infrastructure upgrade

With the help of Crown funding from the Infrastructure Acceleration Fund fund, we’re partway through a once-in-a-generation upgrade of our three waters networks in Ōtaki. We’re planning to upgrade and expand our drinking water, wastewater and stormwater networks to increase capacity and improve resilience for our current and future communities.

Reservoir 1, a 5.5-million litre, 35-metre-wide tank, will increase the amount of stored drinking water for emergencies and improve firefighting capability. Built to withstand a one-in-2500-year earthquake, the reservoir will also provide for the town’s expected growth. Construction of Reservoir 1 is nearing completion and it's due to begin operating in May this year.

A possible site for Reservoir 2 has been identified and we’re currently carrying out geotechnical and other checks to confirm if the site is suitable. We expect Reservoir 2 will hold approximately 1 million litres of water and will service homes on the Waitohu Plateau. Read more about the new reservoirs.

The wastewater upgrade involves laying 2.7 kilometres of new wastewater pipe along Aotaki Street and Mill Road to old State Highway 1. We’re replacing old pipes with new larger pipes to support growth and reduce overflows during flooding. Future wastewater upgrades – along Rangiuru Road and Riverbank Road, and further east on Rahui Road – have been identified but are still in the planning stage.

Also in the planning stage, are stormwater improvements for an area around the Mangapouri Stream.

A fire main is a pipe specifically for conveying water for firefighting. Stage 2 of installing the fire main will also contribute to improving the resilience of the town. It’s being laid along Riverbank Road, old SH1, Waerenga Road and Dunstan Street. This work is almost finished and is due to be complete in early 2025.

Read about how we're supporting and developing key infrastructure, public transport and housing in A blueprint for Ōtaki.