Improvements coming as Kaikohe upgrade progresses

Water and wastewater upgrades are progressing across a number of sites in Kaikohe, with water upgrade works expected to wrap up at the end of January 2026, while wastewater upgrades are expected to continue until later next year.

The project to upgrade Kaikohe’s two key reticulation systems (underground pipes for water and wastewater connections) will enable new housing in the town and improve services.

However, some short-term disruption is likely during this summer holiday season as work continues. Residents and businesses may experience brief water outages during this time, as the main pipeline is made active and new property connections are made.

Water delivery is expected to operate as usual over the Christmas period from 19 December 2025 to 5 January 2026.

Upgrading underground pipe networks has resulted in patches of broken ground on footpaths or near driveways in some residential areas. While road surfaces will be gradually reinstated as works continue, residents may have to wait a little longer for footpaths and surfaces near driveways to be restored due to the length of pipelines being installed.

Once installed, the full length of the main pipeline needs to undergo pressure testing, valve works, and disinfection, which can take up to two weeks as some lines run the length of several residential blocks. Connecting residential lines to the main line, can only be done once testing of the main line has been completed.

All ground that has been disrupted during the works will be reinstated once work on the full length of the pipeline has been fully completed.

Wastewater upgrades

Meanwhile, upgrades to the wastewater pipe system are ongoing with sections completed behind Kaikohe East School, along Cumber Road to the wastewater treatment plant, and along parts of Wihongi Street.

Separate crews are working simultaneously at different sites. One crew, currently at Purdy Street will continue on to Recreation Road where a large trench will be dug along one side of the street to enable system upgrades.

Another crew, working on Mangakahia Road will continue to progress along this stretch of road towards Broadway, Kaikohe’s main street. Once completed, this section of the works will connect to Wihongi Street.

Road surfaces are being completed as sections of work are completed, surfacing is scheduled to reinstate most sites prior to the Christmas break.

Funding

The Kaikohe water and wastewater infrastructure upgrade is supported by a multi-million-dollar investment from the government’s Infrastructure Acceleration Fund (IAF). IAF funding is being used to upgrade Kaikohe’s reticulation system, and upgrade the Taraire Hills Water Treatment Plant, to enable future housing growth in the town.

The government’s Infrastructure Acceleration Fund is managed by National Infrastructure Funding and Financing and supports the delivery of critical infrastructure needed to enable new housing in high-growth areas. The government’s investment in Kaikohe and potentially a similar project in Kawakawa is possible through a co-funding partnership with Far North District Council.

You can find out more about the project here.

---

Main photo - water pipeline upgrades in Monument Road, Kaikohe.

Photo below - wastewater pipeline upgrades in Mangakahia Road will continue to progress along this stretch of road towards Broadway.

Photo below - the crew on Purdy Street will continue on to Recreation Road.