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Expect more road cones and road diversions in Pukekohe as Watercare carries out two major infrastructure projects.
Watercare says the project will unlock growth, strengthen the wastewater network, and support the construction of around 13,000 new homes across Pukekohe.
The first project, the $17 million Jutland Road wastewater diversion, which started last October, is already underway on Ward Street. Once complete, it will improve network performance – and make room for future development in Pukekohe West.
Later this year, Watercare will also begin the $98.2 million Pukekohe North Wastewater Upgrade – a major investment that includes building a new pump station and installing a 4-kilometre trunk sewer.
Both wastewater infrastructure projects are core to Watercare’s $13.8 billion capital delivery programme, which has a focus on increasing network capacity and building a more resilient wastewater system for Aucklanders.
Watercare wastewater programme manager Andrew Deutschle says the Jutland Road project is essential to ensuring the Jutland Road pump station can operate to its full capacity.
“The existing wastewater main on Ward Street can’t carry the full volume the pump station is designed for, forcing it to work outside its ideal range.
“When a pump station isn’t running efficiently, the risk of blockages and overflows increases, and its lifespan shortens.
“The new pipeline will allow it to run at full capacity and support planned growth in Pukekohe West.”
The new pipe will run from McNally Road and Dominion Road, up Puni Road and down Ward Street before connecting into the existing network near Evans Court.
Watercare lead project engineer Hinewai Hosford says the upgrade will deliver noticeable improvements.
“The new pipe will be twice the size of the current one. The existing pipe will continue to service homes along the route, while the new line will carry flows from surrounding streets and future developments.
“Two construction crews are currently on Ward Street, one installing the pipe from Puni Road to Green Lane until March before moving to Puni Road, and the other completing the section between the Queen Street and Wellington Street roundabouts by early April.
“To keep everyone safe, the westbound lane on Ward Street will remain closed between the roundabouts, with reduced parking, lower speed limits, and no access from Cooper Street.
“Construction will return midyear to complete the remaining section of the wastewater main.
“We’ll do everything we can to minimise noise, vibration and dust, and we’ll keep working closely with affected residents to maintain access.”
Hosford thanked the community for its patience.
“We’re on track to have the new pipeline in service before the end of the year. The Pukekohe North Wastewater Upgrade will begin toward the end of March 2026.”
