Rotorua Wastewater Treatment Plant Upgrade

Consultation has concluded

Please note this consultation page was developed in 2018 and updates have progressed.

RLC, CNI Iwi Holdings and Te Arawa Lakes Trust have agreed to work together towards finding a new long-term solution for discharge of treated wastewater. 

The agreement - Kawenata - Puarenga Catchment of Te Rotoruanui-a-Kahumatamomoe is guided by Te Tūāpapa o ngā Wai o Te Arawa (Te Arawa Cultural Values Framework). Please refer to the following link for the most up-to-date information including FAQs. 

Rotorua Wastewater Treatment Plant upgrade


Rotorua Lakes Council and CNI have made a commitment to end spraying treated wastewater in Whakarewarewa Forest by 2019.

The upgraded Wastewater Treatment Plant will be able to handle more than 70 million litres of wastewater, which is three times more than it does today.

Council is currently engaging with the community to find out what residents think about the preferred Water Restoration Land Contact Bed and the treated wastewater release point option, which have been designed using Māori knowledge. (Matauranga Māori)

Council needs your help to answer two prominent questions:

  • How can we improve the design of the Land Contact Bed proposed at the Wastewater Treatment Plant?
  • How best can we address your concerns about the proposed Land Contact Bed?


Please note this consultation page was developed in 2018 and updates have progressed.

RLC, CNI Iwi Holdings and Te Arawa Lakes Trust have agreed to work together towards finding a new long-term solution for discharge of treated wastewater. 

The agreement - Kawenata - Puarenga Catchment of Te Rotoruanui-a-Kahumatamomoe is guided by Te Tūāpapa o ngā Wai o Te Arawa (Te Arawa Cultural Values Framework). Please refer to the following link for the most up-to-date information including FAQs. 

Rotorua Wastewater Treatment Plant upgrade


Rotorua Lakes Council and CNI have made a commitment to end spraying treated wastewater in Whakarewarewa Forest by 2019.

The upgraded Wastewater Treatment Plant will be able to handle more than 70 million litres of wastewater, which is three times more than it does today.

Council is currently engaging with the community to find out what residents think about the preferred Water Restoration Land Contact Bed and the treated wastewater release point option, which have been designed using Māori knowledge. (Matauranga Māori)

Council needs your help to answer two prominent questions:

  • How can we improve the design of the Land Contact Bed proposed at the Wastewater Treatment Plant?
  • How best can we address your concerns about the proposed Land Contact Bed?


Guest Book

Council needs your whakaaro (ideas) on:

  • How can we improve the design of the Land Contact Bed proposed at the Wastewater Treatment Plant?
  • How best can we address your concerns about the proposed Land Contact Bed?

Please share your ideas with us below.
Consultation has concluded
CLOSED: This discussion has concluded.

Removed by moderator.

Punatahi over 5 years ago

Refer to previous comments

Punatahi over 5 years ago

Shared already on previous question. Know our land whenua remember to reflect and add in was any rock formation planted near geothermal in any volcanic platform please research and do you homework properly. Suggest you look at Whaka and the dumping of concrete to fill ngawha that sinks and moves underneath blocking assisting hau =channels for puna to flow. It's not rocket science to understand that is it. For dummies who have never been raised in and around geothermal you have alot to learn.

Punatahi over 5 years ago

Put back all the rongo plants beautification mess took away applied study base past reflections that once was planted in and around the lakes. Suggest science research base is not recommended here in Arikiroa whenua puna rise frequently when land is threatened hence puna rising now also take into account the old rubbish dump is where the bamboo is planted should be made aware to all people and sign posted. This keeps everything transparent and public is better informed.

Punatahi over 5 years ago

Object yo discharge in lake how rude as a land owner directly opposite the wastewater plant I would want compensation for foul smelling odours directly impacting our whenua. Land discharge is the simple solution for wastewater not the lakes for simple convience method. Go back to your drawing board rethink up your calibre of smartness reclaim water should be lumped back into every residential home for flushing toilets only recycle smarter and cleaner. The most used room is the toilet 25 litres per flush per person is alot of first grade water wasted in the toilet. Think before you make stupid recommendations for lake discharge. T.A.L.T have ownership water rights as a beneficiary I would be instructing them to take it to High Court revoke remove RLC step on contact beds. Ngaire Khan 11 Toru Street Hillcrest Rotorua 3015

Punatahi over 5 years ago

Rotorua is still a pretty poor city,Tax payers money should be spent wisely

14speed over 6 years ago

Need a new treatment plant but don't waste money on the cultural wall/sculpture this is pure unnecessary aesthetics.

Honest over 6 years ago

Great proposal which I fully support, it would be good to see a waste water educational hub tagged on to this as it would be away of decimating the knowledge and showcasing the innovation and matauranga genesis. Let's turn our waste water into a tourist attraction and educational experience.

Haarmz over 6 years ago

If this is the best, and most cost effective way, to treat our waste water, then I am all for it.

However, do we really have to invest so much, in the presentation, of what is primarily a sewage plant. This council seems to be fixated on sculptures and the like.

Please remember that a large proportion of the population is on low or fixed incomes, whose income may only increase by the cost of living percentage.

Julie86 over 6 years ago

Thank you for this information I don't see any ways to improve the proposed filtration system...it was great to see and hear the korero...kia ora I look forward to seeing the final product.

Desiree60 about 7 years ago