Work will soon begin on a new underground wastewater pump station at the corner of Buddle Street and Kakahoroa Drive, as part of a wider upgrade to the wastewater network in Whakatāne.

Construction is expected to start in early April and continue through to the end of August 2026. The works contract has been awarded to Tauranga based GT Civil Limited.

The new Buddle Street pump station will support the largest wastewater catchment in the district and operate alongside the existing McAlister Street pump station to transfer wastewater to the treatment plant. It is the first stage of a broader upgrade programme, which will later include refurbishment of the McAlister Street pump station and renewal of the pumping main connecting the network to the wastewater treatment plant.

Whakatāne District Council manager assets and capital delivery, Three Waters, Jim Finlay, said the project was an important step in strengthening the resilience of the wastewater network.

“This pump station will provide additional capacity for future growth and help reduce the frequency and impact of wet weather overflow events,” Mr Finlay said.

“The pump station will help move wastewater through the network more efficiently, rather than relying on gravity alone. This upgrade will increase the network’s capacity by around 80 percent.”

Most of the works will take place within the grass berm at the corner of Buddle Street and Kakahoroa Drive, within the road reserve and next to the New World car park boundary.

Most of the infrastructure, including the pump station, manholes and pipework, will be located underground.

Around 245 metres of new pumping main will be installed using horizontal drilling, connecting the new pump station into the existing pumping main that conveys wastewater to the Whakatāne wastewater treatment plant.

Mr Finlay said the project would be delivered in stages to minimise disruption to surrounding businesses and road users.

“Traffic management will be in place at certain times, but access to the Buddle Street service lane will be maintained throughout the project,” he said. “There are no expected interruptions to wastewater or water services for properties along The Strand.”

Some construction noise and vibration will occur at times, and the council and contractor will work to minimise impacts wherever possible.