Taihape Wastewater Treatment Plant Upgrades

A major upgrade to Taihape's wastewater network has reduced the risk of overflows into the Hautapu River while improving environmental outcomes and supporting the transformation of Papakai Park.

PROJECT COMPLETE

Completed: 2024
Investment: $6.3 million

Project Background

Protecting the health of the Hautapu River was the driving force behind this project.

Following several wastewater overflows into the river, Council undertook a comprehensive review of the Taihape wastewater network in 2020. The audit identified several issues affecting the system's performance, including limited network capacity, stormwater entering the wastewater network during heavy rain, ageing equipment and gaps in knowledge about parts of the network.

To address these issues, Council invested in a series of upgrades across the network and treatment plant.

Two images showing the large wastewater tanks being lifted into place at Papakai Park. The image on teh left shows a crane lowering one of the tanks onto the bround where it now lies. The second image show both tanks in place next to each other.

At Papakai Park, two 28-metre-long fibreglass storage tanks were installed beside the Hautapu River. Together they can temporarily store up to 260,000 litres of wastewater during heavy rainfall, reducing the risk of untreated wastewater overflowing into the river. Once capacity becomes available, the stored wastewater is pumped back to the treatment plant for processing.

The wastewater pump station between Papakai Park and the treatment plant was also upgraded with new pumps and equipment capable of handling the demands of the network more effectively.

At the treatment plant, the membrane filtration system was replaced to improve the quality of treated wastewater before it is safely returned to the environment.

Following completion of the physical upgrades in 2024, Council continued investigating why large volumes of stormwater were still entering the wastewater network during heavy rain.

Property inspections identified a number of incorrect stormwater connections on private properties. Council worked with affected property owners to rectify these issues, significantly reducing stormwater infiltration into the network.

Two images showing Council staff and volunteers doing planting of trees around the perimiter of the wastewater infrastructure at Papakai Park

Council also partnered with Friends of Taihape and Ngāti Tamakōpiri to enhance Papakai Park following construction. Landscaping and beautification work helped integrate the new wastewater infrastructure into the park while improving the area for residents and visitors. Today, Papakai Park serves as the gateway to the Hautapu River Parks, which officially opened in December 2024.

What Changed

Taihape now has a more resilient wastewater system that's better equipped to handle heavy rain, treats wastewater to a higher standard than previously and helps to protect the Hautapu River for future generations.

A overhead, bird's eye view of Papakai Park following the completion of the wastewater upgrades, and a completed swing bridge across the Hautapu River.

Photo by Alexander Robertson

This project demonstrates how infrastructure investment can deliver wider community benefits. Alongside improved environmental outcomes, the partnership between Council, iwi and the community has helped create a recreational space that is now an important part of Taihape.