What’s included in the Wairākei rising main project?
The works include:
- Site investigations to facilitate design and construction
- Construction within the road and stormwater reserve via both open trenching and directional drilling
Construction is expected to begin late 2026. Once construction begins, work will take approximately eight months to complete.
Where is it going?
The new rising main is located within the Wairākei Reserve, behind 10 Palazzo Drive. The rising main will then run through the reserve and up Mandalay Key, and into the end of Simpson Road cul-de-sac. The existing pipework from Simpson Road then continues through the Papamoa East Shared Rising Main system through to Opal Drive.
Downstream Pump Stations and Air Valves
As part of this work, we will be carrying out upgrades to existing downstream pump stations between Wairakei Pump Station and Opal Drive Pump Station. Work will take place at the following sites:
- Parton Road – July/August 2026
- Ashley Place – December 2026
- Doncaster Drive (two stations) – December 2026
- Simpson Road – July/August 2026
We will also be upgrading 14 air valves in the area from December 2026. Further information will be available when we finalise our plans.
What is a wastewater rising main?
A rising main is a pressurised wastewater pipeline that carries flows from a pump station to another pump station or treatment plant. Unlike most wastewater pipes, which rely on gravity to carry flows downhill, a rising main allows wastewater to be pumped uphill, across flat ground, or over long distances.
