The Murupara Wastewater Treatment Plant has been in operation since 1954, servicing around 600 households and approximately 1,600 residents. The plant sits where the Rangitāiki and Whirinaki rivers meet. Wastewater flows through the network to two treatment ponds, and the treated water is then released into the Rangitāiki River. The second oxidation pond was added in 1978 to increase capacity, with some minor improvements in the late 1990s and again in 2011. However, the system has not undergone any major upgrades, and much of the original infrastructure remains in place.
The current discharge consents for the Murupara Wastewater Treatment Plant are due to expire on 26 August 2028. In preparation for seeking new consents, we are working in co-design with Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Manawa. Together, we will review the existing system and its effects. We’ll also identify any upgrades or changes needed to meet regulations and reflect cultural expectations and community needs. Any future system will also need to support the long-term needs of the community and remain resilient to environmental and climate-related risks.
Our why
With the current discharge consent for the Murupara Wastewater Treatment Plant expiring, we now have the opportunity to work with Ngāti Manawa and the Murupara community to rethink how wastewater is treated here. This includes considering where the treatment plant should be located in the future, what treatment processes are most appropriate, and how treated wastewater should be discharged. Ngāti Manawa have expressed a desire to explore alternatives to river discharge.
In delivering the project, we must give effect to the overarching programme purpose:
Healthy People – Healthy Communities
To determine and consent fit for purpose and affordable water and wastewater solutions that meet statutory requirements, safeguard public health, improve environmental and cultural outcomes, provide for growth, and build community resilience.
We also need to consider the costs and the impact these could have on local ratepayers. Our aim is to find a solution that delivers better environmental and cultural outcomes than the current system, while being mindful of affordability.
Co-design approach
The Council wants this project to integrate the values, knowledge and aspirations of Ngāti Manawa (as mana whenua) from the very beginning. Council working together with Ngāti Manawa from the earliest opportunity means better outcomes for people, place, and the awa.
A co-design group made up of Ngāti Manawa representatives, Council staff and supporting technical experts will help guide the project. This group will bring mātauranga Māori, tikanga and cultural perspectives into every stage. This will include considering a range of treatment and discharge options, and understanding the benefits, constraints and costs for each. The group’s recommendations will then go to Council’s Project and Services Committee for consideration of the recommended wastewater treatment and disposal system for Murupara.
Community engagement
Once we have a series of options to consider for how Murupara’s wastewater could be treated and discharged, the community will be invited to learn more about the options and provide feedback. While the Council makes the final decision on which system goes ahead, that decision will be shaped by the recommendations of the co-design group and community feedback.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Why does Murupara need to update its wastewater treatment plant?
The existing consents for the wastewater treatment plant will expire on 26 August 2028 and Council must apply for new consents to continue operating the system.
The current system is ageing and may require upgrading to align with contemporary environmental standards including new national wastewater standards. Consideration is also needed regarding the potential effects of the discharge on water quality and the Rangitāiki River’s mauri, as well as the wider environmental, cultural and community outcomes.
- What are benefits of the project?
Council has an opportunity to rethink how Murupara’s wastewater is treated and reintegrated into the environment, with a focus on environmental, cultural and community outcomes. This project will be underpinned by a co-design approach with Ngāti Manawa, along with consultation with the Murupara community to better understand the environmental, cultural and financial outcomes they wish to see.
- Why is there a co-design approach?
The co-design approach recognises the relationship Ngāti Manawa have with the Rangitāiki River and the wider whenua where Murupara is located. Legislation under the RMA also requires recognition and provision for the relationship of Māori and their culture and traditions with ancestral lands, water, sites, wāhi tapu, and other taonga.
The Council wants this project to integrate the values, knowledge and aspirations of Ngāti Manawa (as mana whenua) from the very beginning. Council working together with Ngāti Manawa from the earliest opportunity means better outcomes for people, place and the awa.
- How will the wider Murupara community be engaged with?
Once we have a series of options to consider for how Murupara’s wastewater could be treated and discharged, we will hold a drop-in session where the community can come and learn more about the proposed options and provide feedback. While the Council make the final decision on which system goes ahead, that decision will be shaped by the recommendations of the co-design group and community feedback.
- How much will a new wastewater treatment system cost?
This is something that will need to be considered further through the analysis of different treatment and disposal options for Murupara. Whilst environmental and cultural outcomes are critical considerations, the end solution must also be affordable to ratepayers.
- Who will pay for the new wastewater treatment system?
Funding usually comes from people connected to the wastewater network, and from properties that benefit directly from it. We’ll look at different ways to share costs fairly between households, businesses and the community. We’ll also explore opportunities for outside funding, such as central government support.