We are looking forward to carrying forward one of Waipā’s most significant infrastructure investments when we take on responsibility for water services from 1 July.
8 June 2026Updated 12 June 20262 min read
We are looking forward to carrying forward one of Waipā’s most significant infrastructure investments when we take on responsibility for water services from 1 July 2026.
Our move into operations was recently marked at the site of the new Cambridge Wastewater Treatment Plant – a project that reflects the scale of ambition and collaboration shaping water services across the region.
Currently under construction and on track for completion in late 2026, the plant will support Cambridge’s growing community while meeting some of the highest environmental standards in Aotearoa.
It has been designed in close partnership with iwi and stakeholders, with a strong focus on protecting the Waikato River and reflecting the principles of kaitiakitanga in how the plant is built and will operate.
With advanced treatment technology, a smaller footprint and a long-term focus, it represents a step change in how wastewater is managed in the district.
As we prepare to take on responsibility for Waipā’s water services, we’re excited to build on the work already done and see this outstanding project through to completion.
At the same time, we’re getting ready for what comes next. When all six councils have transitioned their water and wastewater services to us, we will be responsible for a large and diverse asset base, with infrastructure spread right across the region.
Our starting point in year one will be the capital and operational programmes set out in councils’ current Long-Term Plans and Water Services Delivery Plans. From there, we will apply our investment prioritisation framework to review and refine those programmes.
This means we will take a careful, consistent approach to investment – making sure we are directing time and resources to the areas that matter most. We will assess both new projects and inherited programmes against the same framework, focusing on the highest health, safety and compliance risks first.
That approach will guide how we maintain, upgrade and expand infrastructure over time – including major projects like Cambridge.
