A community meeting held at the Raglan Club on Tuesday 19 November provided residents with an update on a major upgrade to Raglan’s wastewater system. The meeting, attended by around 50 locals, detailed plans for an overhauled facility that will transform the way wastewater is treated and discharged.
The Council, alongside water contractors Watercare and Veolia Water, presented new information on a land-based disposal option at the meeting. After seven years of research they have settled on the best and most cost effective option, which is to discharge it into a gully on Wainui Reserve. Early discussions explored alternative discharge sites around Whāingaroa, such as a property on Maungatawhiri Rd, but the focus has now shifted to Wainui Reserve.
Geotechnical studies are currently assessing the gully and expert analysis suggests the treated water will be of such high quality that it can blend naturally into the environment without adverse effects.
Since beginning research in 2017, new innovations in wastewater treatment have opened up options for cleaner solutions which allowed cheaper options for discharge to become available. Whaingaroa General Ward Councillor Lisa Thomson described the wastewater treatment plant upgrade as a “complete rebuild” of the current system, transitioning from outdated smelly ponds to cutting-edge membrane bio reactor technology that processes wastewater to near-potable standards. “It’s state of the art technology,” she noted.
To address concerns about overland flow, the council explained that capacity limits will be determined by comprehensive soil testing and resource consent conditions. Stability measures, such as gabion walls and strategic plantings will also be implemented. While this land-based disposal option is favoured by mana whenua and community groups, it’s still in its proposal stages and feasibility studies are ongoing.
The new discharge option also acknowledges past challenges with the existing wastewater infrastructure, including the placement of the controversial pipe that discharges into the harbour on land not owned by the Council. Hapū have opposed the pipeline for decades and advocated for land-based treatment methods.
“This has been a long journey,” Lisa noted. “We’ve moved from limited engagement between the Council and the community in the early years to now working with some of the best experts in New Zealand.” Lisa also notes that the council have been engaging with Tainui o Tainui throughout this whole process.
At the meeting, project Manager Peter Crabb, emphasised the need to rethink perceptions of treated wastewater, highlighting its high quality—just one step below potable standards. Lisa pointed out that similar systems are already in successful operation in places like Te Kauwhata, and are drawing attention from councils across New Zealand and even Australia.
Despite some community scepticism about the project’s long timeline and reliance on consultants, Lisa reassures the community of the team’s expertise and commitment. “The engineers and contractors involved are highly experienced and dedicated to delivering the best outcomes,” she said.
The estimated $35 million project includes $27 million for the treatment plant rebuild and $8 million for the land-based disposal system – down from a previously quoted $38million for the Maungatawhiri Rd option. The cost is funded through targeted rates spread across all Waikato households connected to the district’s wastewater network.
