Katikati Wastewater Disposal Future Directions

Kia ora, welcome to the Katikati Wastewater Disposal Future Directions project page. Here, you’ll find everything you need to know about the project, including latest updates, and frequently asked questions.

Latest update (11 August 2026)

The Katikati Wastewater Treatment Plant currently discharges treated wastewater through an ocean outfall pipeline that extends across Tauranga Harbour, through Matakana Island, and out to sea.

The ageing pipeline within the harbour has experienced several breaks over the past year, highlighting the need for a long-term replacement strategy.

The plant's current discharge consent expires in 2038, and Council is required to confirm its preferred future direction by the end of 2026.

Following completion of the Future Directions Report in 2025, the preferred long term approach sees the retention of an ocean discharge, but with higher treatment standards and a longer outfall pipe. The early replacement of the ageing harbour crossing section of the outfall pipeline has also been identified as a priority project.

A survey of the harbour floor between Katikati and Matakana Island is now underway as Council investigates long-term options for managing treated wastewater from Katikati.

Specialist contractors will assess ground conditions beneath the harbour as part of investigations for the design and construction of a potential replacement of the existing pipeline across the harbour, one of the future wastewater disposal options currently being explored for the area.

The investigations are an important step in planning for the future and Council, via a Project Control Group and Te Ohu Waiora, a group consisting of representatives from tāngata whenua, Council, and external stakeholders, is focused on implementing a sustainable, long-term and culturally acceptable solution that protects our harbour, meets new wastewater standards, and reflects the values of our community and tangata whenua.

The current investigations relate specifically to the option of replacing the harbour crossing section of the pipeline. The information gathered through the survey will help determine whether ground conditions are suitable for installing a replacement pipeline, support design of a replacement pipeline, and inform future resource consent applications for the works.

Following a procurement process, Brown Bros Drilling has been selected by Council as the most suitable specialist contractor to carry out the survey.

The survey comprises of 14 investigation sites located along the proposed replacement pipeline route, which is just to the north of the existing pipeline location. At each site, crews will collect sediment and soil samples from beneath the harbour floor and undertake specialised testing to measure the strength and stability of the ground to depths of up to 15 metres.

At five of the investigation sites, sediment samples will also be collected and tested for the presence of environmental contaminants as part of the ecological assessment.

The investigations are expected to take up to two weeks to complete, depending on weather and tidal conditions. No disruption to residents or harbour users is anticipated.

About the project

The Katikati Wastewater Disposal Future Directions project aims to establish a sustainable, long-term solution for treated wastewater disposal in Katikati, considering both environmental and cultural values.

With the current outfall pipeline nearing its end and experiencing multiple leaks, we’re working to address both the existing infrastructure issues and future compliance requirements.