Ōpononi Ōmāpere wastewater working group seeks members

Community members are being encouraged to put their hands up and contribute to decisions made by the Ōpononi Ōmāpere Wastewater Treatment Plant Community Working Group.

The group brings together mandated hapū representatives, Ōmāpere and Ōpononi communities, and the council to support the environmental, cultural and community wellbeing of the Hokianga Harbour through shared knowledge, kōrero and kaitiakitanga.

The council has committed to investigating options for discharging treated wastewater to land, and the working group will be part of this kaupapa.

Working group members will take a solutions-focused approach and discuss:

• The performance of the wastewater treatment plant.
• Monitoring of the Hokianga Harbour.
• Maintenance of the treatment plant.
• Opportunities to improve the quality of treated wastewater.

Working group members will have the opportunity to:

• Bring feedback and views from the community they represent to the working group.
• Keep their communities updated on wastewater treatment plant matters.
• Contribute to discussions about the future of wastewater treatment in the Ōpononi Ōmāpere area.

The working group is looking for people from the Ōpononi and Ōmāpere area who are interested in wastewater management, the environment and the future health of the Hokianga Harbour. You do not need specialist wastewater knowledge to contribute. We are looking for people who can bring local knowledge, listen to their communities and take a solutions-focused approach.

What’s involved

Members meet every two months, either in person or online.

Membership is voluntary and is for up to one year, or until the group's Terms of Reference are reviewed, with up to five community members representing different community groups.

How to express your interest

The Expressions of interest period is open for 30 days.

Complete the online form and tell us why you would like to be part of the working group.

Expressions of interest close on Friday 30 October 2026 and successful applicants will be contacted in November.