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.
Project stages
The project is rolling out in stages across three key development sites to limit disruption to Kaikohe – starting in Williams Avenue, then Tawanui Road and Bisset Road. 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.
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.
The works in Williams Avenue, Tawanui Road and Bisset Road are expected to be completed by November 2025.
When is it happening?
Upgrade works begin on Monday 4 August 2025, with the first phase starting in Williams Avenue, then moving to Tawanui Road and Bisset Road.
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.
How is it 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.
