Kaikohe water and wastewater upgrades
Project details
Project type - upgrade to Kaikohe’s water and wastewater infrastructure
Project status - construction stage
The major upgrade to Kaikohe’s water and wastewater infrastructure, includes extending Kaikohe’s reticulation system (underground pipes for water and wastewater connections), upgrading the Taraire Hills Water Treatment Plant and enabling future housing in the town.
The improvements will strengthen the town’s connection to the Matawii Dam and enhance Kaikohe’s water resilience. With existing systems already at capacity, the upgrades will also improve the reliability of the water supply, reduce wastewater overflows, support firefighting capacity, and future-proof the network for growth.
Early conversations with mana whenua, local organisations, homeowners and residents have helped guide the direction of the project to reflect local values and priorities. These partnerships will continue to play a key role as work progresses to ensure the upgrades deliver long-term benefits for Kaikohe and support a more resilient future for generations to come.
Completion of the entire project is expected by July 2026.
Project updates will be posted on this page.
Taraire Hills Water Treatment Plant upgrade
The upgrade to Kaikohe's water treatment plant is separate from the major upgrade to the town’s water and wastewater network that began in early August. However, both workstreams are supported by multimillion-dollar investments from the IAF.
The upgrade of Kaikohe’s water treatment plant will include new water treatment infrastructure, electrical upgrades, a new intake from the Wairoro Stream, and a new 1500m³ treated water reservoir.
Work at the Taraire Hills Water Treatment Plant started at the end of July and will take a year to complete. There will be no disruption to the operation of the current plant or supply to Kaikohe during the upgrade.
Project stages
The project to upgrade and extend Kaikohe's water reticulation and wastewater systems is rolling out in stages across three key development sites. Works have been designed to limit disruption to traffic during construction. Residents and business owners are being assured that access to residences and businesses will be maintained at all times, and any changes will be communicated to them in advance.
Stage 1 - Bisset Road, Tawanui and Williams Ave
This phase of the project includes the installation of new sewer and watermain pipelines as well as associated manhole chambers and decommissioning of existing pipelines.
Upgrade works began early August 2025, with the first phase starting in Bisset Road, then moving to Tawanui Road and Williams Avenue.
Works will run Monday to Friday from 7am to 5pm with occasional Saturday works. Night work may be required from time to time when road crossings or driveways are affected.
These works are expected to be completed by November 2025.
Stage 2 - Wihongi Street to Cumber Street
Expected to start in September 2025.
Stage 3 - Orrs Road, Rankin Street and Recreation Road
Expected to start in September 2025.
How is this project funded?
The upgrade is supported by a multimillion-dollar investment from the government’s Infrastructure Acceleration Fund (IAF).
- $16 million from FNDC
- $23 million funded by the government through the IAF.
The IAF is managed by National Infrastructure Funding and Financing (NIFF) and supports the delivery of critical infrastructure needed to enable new housing in high-growth areas. The government’s investment in Kaikohe and a similar project in Kawakawa is possible through a co-funding partnership with Far North District Council.
Go here to find out more about IAF.
