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Back to SearchThe recently released NZ Wastewater Sector Report was commissioned by the Ministry for the Environment to support policy development for wastewater. It was developed by GHD, Beca and Boffa Miskell with significant input from across the NZ wastewater industry.
It comprehensively documents the current status of the municipal wastewater sector, which needs significant investment to upgrade wastewater treatment performance and reduce network overflows. The report also includes detailed information on trade waste management regimes, environmental compliance, Māori values and climate change impacts on wastewater, and identifies emerging issues and opportunities.
“We are on the cusp of a new future for how we manage wastewater in New Zealand,” says Sioban Hartwell, GHD’s Market Leader, Water. “Realising the aspirations of communities, Iwi and government means that traditional design approaches that focused primarily on conveyance and disposal of wastewater are no longer adequate. In the future I believe there will be more focus on wastewater as a source of value, including energy and water recovery, as well as more weight given to cultural considerations, climate change and improving the quality of receiving waters.
“Looking ahead, planning and design will be driven by the principle of ‘Te mana o te Wai’, which recognises that water quality is crucial for social, cultural, economic and environmental wellbeing. This concept of water will be further advanced by the new regulator, Taumata Arowai, and service delivery will be via new entities currently developing under the Water Reform process.”
GHD thanks the Iwi representatives, territorial authorities, regional councils, Wellington Water, Watercare, Water NZ and other industry stakeholders that contributed interviews, case studies and information to complete the report.