Hihi Resource Consent Renewal
Project details
Discharges from the Hihi wastewater treatment plant are managed by three discharge consents. One is for odour to air, one for seepage from the bottom of the wetlands and one covers the discharge of treated wastewater into the Hihi stream.
We acknowledge that the discharge of treated wastewater to the Hihi Stream has a high impact on Māori cultural interests and values. We are committed to talking to hapū most directly impacted to help us work towards better outcomes. This may include, but not be limited to, cultural impact assessments for the discharges from the treatment plant.
The consents will have conditions that ensure we improve environmental outcomes. It is possible we can incorporate special conditions on the consent e.g. the requirement to undertake cultural values monitoring.
Project milestones
An application to renew the existing discharge consent was lodged with Northland Regional Council (NRC) in August 2022.
The application was suspended awaiting further engagement and interim treatment plant improvements.
Northland Regional Council will publicly notify the application between Thursday 4 December 2025 and Thursday 22 January 2026. The NRC website for the notice is: https://www.nrc.govt.nz/notifiedconsents.
The Ministry for the Environment provides useful information about the resource consent process and how to make a submission.
Completed environmental assessments
An air quality assessment to determine the effects of the discharge of odour from the treatment plant has been finalised. You can read a copy of the air quality assessment here. Thank you to all the residents who took part in this assessment.
A public health risk assessment to determine the public health risk to people who eat kaimoana or swim in areas that may be affected by the discharge of treated wastewater has been undertaken. You can read the summary of this document, and the technical assessment here.
A hydrodynamic study has been undertaken to understand the behaviour of the treated wastewater once it has been discharged. You can read a copy of the hydrodynamic study here.
An ecological assessment to determine the effects of the discharge on the ecology of the Hihi Stream. You can read a copy of the ecological assessment here.
Project documents
Find the documents you're looking for with our search bar.
Location
13 Marchant Road, Hihi View Map