Where we've come from

Finding a preferred option for a sewerage scheme for east Rotoiti and Rotomā has taken about ten years and has involved the community, investigating options and reaching a decision.

In 2012, Council renewed its direction in finding a scheme after its resource consent for its then chosen scheme failed in the Environment Court.

With help from the community, the Regional Council and financial support from the Ministry of Health, Council needed to find a scheme that:

• Helps to protect the mauri (life force) of the lake
• Protects people's health
• Ensures cultural factors have been considered as part of a scheme
• Considers the cost to the community
• Finds the best possible communal on-site wastewater pre-treatment system for the community
• Ensures any available subsidies are used wisely

The East Rotoiti Rotomā Sewerage Scheme has been led by the community group, the Rotoiti Rotomā Sewerage Steering Committee since its inception in 2014.

It has been supported by a Cultural Impact team that is made up of members from the Rotoiti/ Rotomā community.

A preferred option on a scheme was approved by Council in December 2014 and was added as a discussion document on page 13 of the Council's Long-Term Plan in 2015.