Big Kerikeri project under way
The Far North District Council’s Kerikeri wastewater project passed another milestone last week with the formal blessing of the site, about 3km out of central Kerikeri.
Rain limited access to the site, and the blessing and ceremonial sod-turning was attended by a small group of representatives, followed by a formal ceremony at the Turner Centre, led by Ngati Rehia, acknowledging the strong relationship between iwi and the council.
Mayor John Carter said the project could not have got across the line without the support of the iwi.
“This is an important step for the history of our district. It is a big project, and it means a lot for the community and this district,” he added.
Council chief executive Shaun Clarke said the project would give Kerikeri the flexibility it needed to grow.
“I have no doubt in my mind that this has really big implications for our district,” he said.
The council has awarded the contract to Broadspectrum, which expects to begin work next month.
Mr Carter said the new plant, designed by engineering consultancy Mott MacDonald, would replace the old plant in Shepherd Road, built in 1989. It was designed to treat 1000cu m of sewage a day, more than three times the design capacity of the existing system. It was also designed for easy expansion.
“The first stage of expansion will allow it to treat a further 500 cu m. Our current projections say it will take eight to 10 years of growth before that is needed,” he said.
“A second expansion will allow the plant to treat a further 500 cu m, as required in the future.”
That was only half of the project, however. The other half was expansion of the sewerage network, which would allow connection by 350 existing homes and businesses that currently used onsite disposal systems or septic tanks. Ultimately, a further 2000 properties would be able to connect.
United Civil Construction began that work in May last year, with the first stage is due for completion this month.
“United Civil has done a fabulous job minimising the impact of their works on the community and, what’s more, they have a very good health and safety record with no loss time incidents, despite staff working more than 37,000 hours,” Mr Carter said.
The Ministry of Health had agreed to help fund this project with a $7.3 million subsidy.
“That money will directly help ratepayers, and means the targeted sewerage rates planned in our long-term plan consultation document will come down for the next two financial years,” he added.
More information can be found at www.fndc.govt.nz/kkwp