Ruamahanga Roading Update

A joint roading venture between Carterton and South Wairarapa District Councils and Fulton Hogan

Emergency works

The roading team has made good progress with repairing the damage caused by extreme weather in early 2022. We have completed the first dropout and are now on the 2nd using roughly 280 ton of lime rock boulders to date. We are also in the process of replacing 9 culverts on Arawhata Hill (Te Wharau Road). While replacing the culverts we are increasing capacity and improving the alignment to ensure better stormwater management.

Improving Resilience

The team has been working with Greater Wellington Regional Council to develop a planting plan for Te Wharau Road in order to improve resilience to the network. We are planning to plant at least 850 Poplar tree poles in Autumn 2023. The establishment of these trees brings significant benefits in terms of slope stability and ground water uptake. Improving resilience will have a significant positive impact on future maintenance cost and environmental impacts. This resilience work aligns with a recent Wairarapa Road Vulnerability study completed by WSP on behalf of Wairarapa Engineering Lifelines Association (WELA). The study identified Te Wharau Road as one of CDC’s most vulnerable roads.

Visit cdc.govt.nz/works for more information.

Soft Plastic and Battery Recycling now available at the Transfer Station – Free of charge!

Exciting new services are now available at Carterton District Transfer Station with the introduction of a soft plastics and battery recycling trial. Carterton residents can now drop off clean, soft plastics and a range of batteries at the district transfer station for free.

Please note – we still cannot accept these in your kerbside recycling bin due to the sorting process and how they are recycled.

Residents and ratepayers have repeatedly told Carterton District Council that recycling batteries and soft plastics were a priority for the District. The Council has responded by entering into agreements with companies that are able to recycle them. 

Upcycle will handle the management of recycling batteries. A battery bucket is available at our recycling station, and stations throughout Wairarapa, for small household batteries from devices like TV remote controls, torches, or hearing aids. Components from the batteries will be separated for re-use, recovery, and re-processing. Soft plastics will be collected and baled at Earthcare’s Materials Recovery Facility in Masterton before being transported to Future Post, a Kiwi company fence post manufacturer.

Transport Choices Package

We’re excited that our application to Waka Kotahi NZ’s Transport Choices Package has been accepted. The Transport Choices programme supports councils to give people more options in the way they travel.

Funding criteria specified projects that would deliver strategic cycling/micro mobility networks; create walkable neighbourhoods; support healthy school travel; or make public transport easier to use. The aim is to open up streets so everyone can get where they need to go in ways that are good for their health and the planet.

Waka Kotahi has confirmed it is happy to have further scoping discussions with us to understand our priorities for the Wairarapa Five Towns Trail Network. This portion has been indicatively funded as the off-road schools connection.

The Government has funded $350 million for the Transport Choices package from the Climate Emergency Response Fund, part of Budget 2022. We are pleased to have been granted $918,720 for this project out of this fund.

Wastewater Treatment Plant Reservoirs Upgrade

The Wastewater Treatment Plant Upgrade Project is scheduled to reach practical completion at the end of the fiscal year, around 30 June 2023.

We anticipate at this time we will better understand the cost for completing the Phase 2 works, remedial repairs and additional claims against the main contractor Central Hawkes Bay Earthworks. We will progress our claim against the contractor once this information is to hand.

Additionally, management has reviewed the costs to date and the forecast to bring the project to practical completion. We anticipate total project costs as shown below:

The table above shows a potential forecast overrun of $340k. However, within the total forecast budget there are several items which may not eventuate, as well as the likelihood of recovering significant costs from CHB. This includes the following:

Potential extension of time costs (related to mudfish delay) of $428k factored into the forecast, which Council may be required to pay.

Legal fees of $220k in the forecast remaining spend which may not be required. Approximately $320k in costs related to remedial work on the liner which we expect to be able to recover. We will also pursue additional cost recoveries (e.g. legal costs).

Retentions of $125k which we expect to keep, reducing the amount to be paid.

We will continue to provide updates as the project is completed and we gain more certainty around these elements.

Ruamāhanga Roading Update

Emergency works

The Council has successfully secured emergency funding from Waka Kotahi for the rain damage suffered in August 2022. The total estimate for the repairs is $800,000, of which $688,454 is at a 72% Funding Assistance Rate (FAR). This now brings us to $1,034,119 of emergency works over and above our normal road maintenance and renewal budget. While this is good news, the additional scope of work increases the pressure on the team and Fulton Hogan. Fulton Hogan is planning to increase resources for the contract through in-house resource and sub-contracting.

Resurfacing programme

The recent break in weather has allowed the team to start with the resurfacing programme which is planned to be completed before Christmas.

Routine maintenance

We can clearly see the impact of the persistent rain on the road network over the last three months. We responded to 276% more potholes compared to the same period last year. This significant increase is a result of both saturation and aging surfaces. The increased rate of deterioration will have a flow-on effect on the required maintenance, surfacing and rehabilitation of roads in the future.

Frederick Street water treatment plant upgrade

Water storage tanks 

Phase 2 – Dalefield Storage Tanks

The project is progressing well with a planned completion date of the end of November 2022. Wind is the main risk during the roofing and wall construction.

Key milestones for the project are:

1. Roof – Completed 27 October 2022

2. Walls – Planned completion 30 November 2022.

Ruamahanga Roading Update

The Ruamāhanga Roads team was under significant pressure due to major weather-induced damage on the road network. To date, the accumulated rainfall from January 2022 is at 153% of the historical average. The extreme weather resulted in severe slips and damage which could potentially isolate remote communities. The team intervened in several responses, opening roads such as Te Wharau Road, Admiral Station Road and Clifton Grove (to name a few) with minimal disruption to road users.

Due to the resulting hardship, we have applied for emergency funding from Waka Kotahi to the value of $800,000. The application is currently under review and is separate to the approved flooding event in February 2022.

Emergency works have a significant impact on internal and contracted resources, as well as on our planned works programme and the ability to deliver a basic level of service. To date, the emergency works have resulted in an approximate 25% increase in workload just on the Carterton District Council Network – noting that we are only 2 months into the financial year. We are working with South Wairarapa District Council and Fulton Hogan to address the shortage of overall resources.

Frederick Street water treatment plant upgrade

Water storage tanks 

As per Phase 3 above, the storage tank construction is coming along nicely. Once completed, the tanks will hold an additional 4 million litres of potable drinking water.

Ruamahanga Roading Update

Over the last few months, the team has been working on developing the forward work programme for various asset renewals including resurfacing, rehabilitation, and footpaths. The sites will now be verified and priced to ensure delivery in line with the approved budgets. Following the acceptance of estimates, the work will be programmed.

The forwards works programme is as follows:

• Beach Road
• Cornwall Road
• Dixon Street
• Flat Point Road
• Garrison Street
• Kent Street
• Longbush Road
• Ponatahi Road
• Waihakeke Road
• Ballinger Place

The footpath forward works programme is set for Faraday, Davy and Wheatstone Streets, improving access to the railway station and linking Carter Court. We are also working on Richmond Road in front of the funeral home.

Wastewater Reticulation Inflow & Infiltration (INI)

Wastewater Treatment Ponds Upgrade

As anticipated and programmed, progress has been slow during June and July. We are still on track to deliver on the key milestones and practical completion in June 2023.

July weather event and surface flooding at the wastewater treatment plant

In July, we had another extreme weather event which resulted in a lot of surface flooding around the district, including at our wastewater treatment plant. This meant we had to ask residents to limit their water use to avoid overloading the system and causing wastewater backflow into people’s homes. The significant increase to our wastewater intake during times of heavy rain indicates that we have faults in our wastewater reticulation system which results in stormwater infiltrating the system. 

Why haven’t the new wastewater ponds solved the issue?

In July, we began filling Reservoir one, the first of three new reservoirs at the Daleton Farm site, however, this is not yet ready for operation. The project team is using a staged approach when filling the reservoirs to ensure safety of the team working on site, and to protect the surrounding environment. Filling is weather dependent, with cold mornings required to ensure the liner does not expand or crease during this crucial initial fill. Maintaining groundwater levels below the rising level of the reservoir is also important, to ensure the liner settles onto the base and slope of the structure while allowing air pockets to vent naturally.

What steps has the council taken since February to try to prevent this happening again?

Since the February flood, we have bought flow monitors which are programmed for installation in next couple of months. They will show us which catchments in the reticulation have the larger inflows. Work is continuing on the wastewater pipework capital expenditure renewals and we are prioritising these areas in this financial year [2022/23]. We have also done some camera investigations within the wastewater network to identify the faults. Over the coming weeks we will be making use of CCTV and smoke testing across the network to identify these faults. Smoke testing involves injecting a dense, non-toxic and odourless smoke into the wastewater network, and then watching to see where the smoke escapes.

We are also developing a longer term wastewater management plan which we expect to be included in the 10 August Policy and Projects Committee Meeting Agenda.

Parks and Reserves update

Independent review on the wastewater ponds upgrade and the clocktower remediation project

A report was put to Council at its Ordinary Council meeting on 29 June 2022 with recommendations on how to implement the advice contained in the independent review on the Wastewater Ponds Upgrade Project and the Clocktower Project. This review was undertaken by Calibre Consulting Ltd and was tabled at the Audit and Risk Committee meeting on 19 May 2022. The Calibre review identified 8 lessons with associated recommendations.

In response to the findings, Officers will develop a Project Management Guideline to guide staff and contractors through the various stages of a project. The guidelines will have a summarised flowchart with various actions and decision points that will require staff to identify, address and manage specific risks.

These recommendations were around the following 4 keys points:

• Project Scope
• Risk Assessment
• Flowchart
• Project management

These recommendations were adopted at the 29 June Ordinary Council meeting and the guidelines will be developed this calendar year. The Council will be reviewing current projects to fall in line with what will be developed.

CDC is taking steps to meet recommendations from an independent review of recent projects.

We are developing new Project Management Guidelines for staff and contractors. Council’s Procurement Policy will also be reviewed for alignment and consistency. The guidelines will not only address the findings but improve our overall delivery of projects. We are confident these will be in place by the end of 2022.

Animal Facility

Annual Plan and rates resolution

By now you may have received your latest rates installment – the first for the 2022/23 financial year.
Each year the Council reviews how much revenue it needs to deliver services, and recalculates what it needs to charge for rates. This new recalculation comes into effect on the 1 July every year and is based on the Council’s plan for the year ahead.

The 2022-23 Draft Annual plan, published in March, recommended a 6% rise in average rates. We have not added any additional projects from the 2021/31 Long Term Plan which we consulted on last year.
However, we did invite residents to provide feedback before the plan was finalised. Having considered all feedback and making changes to the Plan, the average rates rise is now 5.75% which is reflected in this current rates installment.

We have worked to ensure that we can keep rates increases to a minimum, despite significant pressure from inflation, while still delivering all our core services in the community and remaining financially prudent.

GWRC Rates: While it is included in your rates bill, CDC does not set the portion of rates for Greater Wellington Regional Council [GWRC] charges. GWRC has set their overall average rate increase for 2022-23 of 12.27%.  With targeted rates for Carterton, this raises the average in this District to 15%.  Visit: http://gwrc.govt.nz/your-rates online for more information.

What’s in the Annual Plan?

• Installation of the new pool slide
• Year 2 of the 3 year roading programme
• Wastewater and water renewals
• Town centre carpark and depot relocation
• IT projects
• District Plan Review
• Wastewater Treatment Ponds Upgrade

Wastewater Update

Last month, we had water flowing into Reservoir One of the new reservoir ponds, marking a significant milestone in the project. Filling the reservoir begun after remediation took place to repair the liner damaged by Central Hawkes Bay Earthmovers. The capacity of Reservoir One is around 60,000 cubic meters, or roughly the same size as the existing three storage ponds.

Planning the repairs for Reservoirs 2 and 3 is underway, with the weather and cooler temperatures potentially adding risks to the repair timetable. The work will fall within the previously announced budget of up to $1.944 million which was approved last December by Council.

Ruamāhanga roading Update

Enaki Stream Realignment

Over time, the Enaki stream realigned itself through flood debris build-up. The new alignment posed a future risk to Belvedere Road and potentially the bridge. Through collaboration with Greater Wellington Regional Council and landowners, we have realigned Enaki Stream back to its 1999 alignment.

Urban Water Storage

The improvement of the potable water supply and resilience has been divided into 4 phases:

Phase 1 – Frederick Street treatment plant upgrade

Phase 2 – 2 x 2000kL Potable Water Storage Tanks

Phase 3 – Water main between phase 1 and 2 via Lincoln Road.

Phase 4 – Pump station at Water Tanks.

The bolted steel tank sections have been delivered and are being stored under cover at a local storage facility ready for assembly in August. Construction on the reinforced concrete foundations has started.

Wastewater Update

The Council Operations Team now has a boat for working on the wastewater treatment ponds. This will enable the operators and our mechanic safe access to maintain the aerators and cables. The boat has been designed to be stable on the water, with special platforms to allow safe points to lean or stand on (with grab bars) when reaching to maintain plant and equipment.

This boat has been on the cards for some time as a suitable boat could not be found. We were fortunate to find a local fabricator to make one to our specifications.

Animal Facility

In March, the Council started work at the Dalefield Road site for a new animal facility. The existing facility is no longer fit for purpose and does not meet the current legislative requirements.

There is an extensive history of attempting to provide a shared Wairarapa service, however, a consensus has not been reached due to differing operational requirements and budgetary expectations. Council has now progressed a potential building design for its site at Dalefield Road. Work has begun onsite, with the topsoil being stripped and a hard standing laid down to allow a suitable working space during winter months. Services have been installed, such as water, sewerage, electricity, and security.

The building design has been complete for some time, with project managers working on structural clarifications. The Council is now awaiting sign-off from a structural engineer on the final design before applying for the appropriate consents.

Ruamāhanga roading Update

A review of the intersection of Moreton and Rutland Roads was undertaken after receiving reports of serious accidents in this area.

After considering the feedback, the Council decided to upgrade this intersection from a ‘Give Way’ to a ‘Stop’. This means vehicles will now need to come to a complete stop before proceeding through the intersection, hopefully reducing the number of incidents.

We have upcoming planned works as follows:
Drainage renewals: Belvedere Road

• Location: 200A to 210 Belvedere Road
• Work: Drainage Renewal
• Estimated date: May 2022
• Duration: +- 4 weeks

Footpath renewals: McKenzie Terrace

• Location: McKenzie Terrace form Pembroke Street to Broadway (Western side)
• Work: Footpath renewals:
• Estimated date: May 2022
• Duration: +- 4 weeks

To stay up to date visit cdc.govt.nz/works

Wairarapa Combined District Plan

The review of the Wairarapa Combined District Plan is in process along with the consideration of the Government’s intention to review the RMA.

At the Joint Committee’s Workshop on 31 March, a discussion paper on Setbacks From Waterways was considered.

The following draft chapters were also presented to the Committee for consideration:

• Transport
• Energy
• Network Utilities
• Low and Medium Density

Residential Zone

• Settlement Zone
• Future Urban Zone

The Committee will convene its next workshop in mid May 2022 to consider the following matters:

• Natural hazards
• Historic heritage
• Notable trees
• Light
• Noise

To stay up to date visit wairarapaplan.co.nz

Council and Committee Meetings

Due to COVID, we have temporarily moved all our Council and Committee meetings to an online format, meaning we won’t be meeting in person. We will make a recording of the meeting publicly available via our YouTube channel within 48 hours of the meeting taking place. You can still speak at the public forum of each meeting, either via video call, phone call or submitting a written statement.

Call us on 06 379 4030 or email demservices@cdc.govt.nz at least 24 hours prior to a meeting if you wish to participate. The full meeting calendar for 2022 and meeting agendas (which are available 3 working days prior to a meeting) can be found online www.cdc.govt.nz/meetings

Urban Water Storage

The foundation design work for the new storage tanks has been completed.

The tanks will be built on site from steel plates which are now in the country and are due in our yard this month.

The pipework between Dalefield Road and the Frederick Street Water Treatment Plant has been awarded and construction for the pipework will be completed this financial year.

Ruamāhanga roading Update

Last month’s flooding event saw many of our urban and rural roads affected by surface flooding and slips. Our contractors Fulton Hogan did a fantastic job assisting us with the response by closing roads and reacting quickly to service requests logged by residents. They also spent several days following the floods cleaning up the roads.

Some other important work we have done includes:

The road widening of Hughes Line. This project is progressing well and we are planning to complete the widening this month.
We are in the process of doing a condition assessment of our footpaths, which will inform our work programme for the upcoming financial year
We completed a drop out repair on Clifton Grove in January.

Wairarapa Combined District Plan

The review of the Wairarapa Combined District Plan is in process along with the consideration of the Government’s intention to review the RMA. The Wairarapa Combined District Plan Joint Committee is reviewing work on several topics which need evaluating irrespective of the Government’s approach. Common issues include urban growth, rural subdivision, protection of elite soils, heritage and engineering standards. There is a need to address the important matters but not over commit due to proposed legislative change planned to the RMA.

We have now compiled a first draft of the new chapters for review, weighing up the pros and cons of the proposed changes. Once the review is complete, the three Wairarapa councils will put together a revised draft to consult with the community on.

We have also launched a joint webpage where you can find everything you need to know and find out how to get involved.

www.wairarapaplan.co.nz

Library Update

We’ve noticed our customers like to come in earlier on Saturdays, so we have amended our opening hours to match.

Our Saturday opening hours are now 9.30am – 1pm

For those of you unable to come to the library, make sure you check out our popular Click and Collect service with 2 great options for book selection- you choose your books or we choose!

Talk to one of the team or visit www.wls.org.nz/clickandcollect

Wastewater Ponds Update

In December, discharge was transferred from the outfall to the pivot irrigator. The irrigator has been in operation 7 days a week, with the last few nozzles turned off (due to ongoing works at the head of the new storage reservoirs) and the new power box which has been installed on the new reservoir bunding.

Urban Water Storage

Our town water demand this summer is extremely high. The daily peak flows have been averaging 3200m3. This is 700m3 a day over the optimal 2500m3. Producing 2500m3 a day allows the plants to retain chlorination contact time and allows reserves for emergencies. To keep up with demand, the plant operators had to run both plants, alternating between one supplying the township, while the other had a chance to recover and replenish the storage tanks.

The new storage tanks (which were delayed due to COVID) will hold an additional 4 million litres and are scheduled to arrive this month.

Ruamāhanga roading Update

Our current expenditure reports can be found in the February agenda for the Infrastructure and Services committee. These reports are set against the Waka Kotahi budget allocations and are for the period of works completed between 01/07/2021 to 31/12/2021. For the full breakdown of expenditure, see the Infrastructure & Services Committee Agenda at www.carterton.infocouncil.biz

We are now getting into better weather conditions which will help with completing the remainder of the work. The focus is on completing the final pre-seal repairs ahead of the 2021/2022 sealing programme, and on maintaining a safe network for road users. Programming for works over the summer months is underway which will include the pre-seal repairs for the 2022/2023 sealing season.

Parks and Reserves

Our street reserves and flower beds are looking fantastic, thanks to our parks and reserves team. Maintaining them, along with weed spraying with our steamer, will be high priority in February. The team has also been busy installing new doggy doo bins in town and removing graffiti. The junior flying fox in Carrington Park has been temporarily out of action while we await the arrival of some spare parts – we hope to see it back in action soon.

Five Towns Trail Network Project

The first newsletter will be sent out in the first quarter 2022 to contacts who have registered through the website.

Abseil Access is beginning construction of the Tauherenikau cycle/walk bridge. The Greytown Trails Trust is working on the signage requirements for this section. They have also installed 1 of 2 Eco-visio counters on the existing Greytown Rail Trail and data is now being recorded. Capturing the use of trails will demonstrate the need for more safe, accessible off-road trails around the region. The data will be linked to the reporting undertaken by the Wellington Regional Trails Coordination Committee and captures other key trails in the Region.

For more information and updates, visit www.fivetownstrail.co.nz

Wastewater Ponds Update

Two trial aerators were installed in Pond 1 and Pond 2 in early October to assist with ongoing management of the wastewater ponds and to reduce odour. These aerators create a large oxidation dispersal field and as such, the Dissolved Oxygen (DO) levels have increased significantly especially in Pond 1. The combination of sunlight from sunny days and increased oxidation in pond 1 has brought the pond back into a healthy state.

Mains Renewals

The contractor undertaking the wastewater mains renewal on Dalefield Road has started work. The renewal of the Rhodes Street water mains from High Street North to Wyndham Street is complete. This renewal replaces another 1% of the existing Asbestos-Cement material pipe in our network.

The new water mains design to connect the new reservoirs on Dalefield Road into the Frederick Street Treatment Plant has been placed on Tender Link and we’ve received a positive response from a number of parties interested in the tender.

A section of misaligned wastewater main in Victoria Street identified during routine CCTV assessments late last year was replaced. This resulted in the main holding approximately 3m3 of waste metal and restricting wastewater flows. The section of pipe proved a complex process to repair due to its depth and it being a live service. However, the job was completed with minimal disruption.

Renewal of the water and wastewater mains in Memorial Square is in the preparation it can be done with minimal interference to the adjoining businesses and those who use the Memorial Square. We will provide more information on this once a start date has been set.

Swimming Pool Maintenance

A new shade cover has replaced the old ripped one over the toddler’s pool. The earthquake strengthening of the outdoor changing room block is now complete. The pools have been brought up to operational standards for the upcoming summer swim season. This season will provide some challenges for the pool contractor as they will be managing the complex under the proposed COVID-19 traffic light protocols and guidelines.

For more information, visit www.cdc.govt.nz/swimming-pool

Clocktower Remediation and Landscaping

The clock tower reserve landscape development is almost complete, with the installation of the lighting fixtures completed late November. The old tree stump between the clock tower and the road has been removed. The footpath will be renovated with new tiles, pavers and asphalt.

Five Towns Trail Network Project

The Five Towns Trail Network Master Plan was launched on 14 October. A website and email inbox has been created. A register of enquiries and interested contacts who would like project updates has been created by and will be maintained by the Regional Trails Coordinator.

The Master Plan has now been received by each of the 3 district councils with support from all. A Memorandum of Understanding between the Wairarapa councils and Wairarapa Trails Action Group is being developed. Its purpose is to facilitate, research and create a suitable legal entity with appropriate, representative governance to deliver the master plan.

For more information and updates, visit www.fivetownstrail.co.nz

Wastewater Improvements

Construction activity around the wastewater treatment plant and along Dalefield Road will ramp up commencing this month with the arrival of Downer, the successful bidder for the Dalefield Road wastewater Renewal.

This is where the current wastewater pipeline between SH2 and Lincoln Road will be renewed, and is anticipated to take the duration of summer 2021/22.

Over the next 6 months, we will also see increased activity around the Dalefield Road wastewater wetlands pumping system upgrade that will redirect treated wastewater to the new reservoirs off Gallon Road, this work will be carried out by Ordish and Stevens who have already installed the pipelines to the new reservoirs.

Urban Water Supply

This summer we will see the commencement of the potable water storage tanks where the successful bidder REL will start by building two steel-reinforced concrete foundations followed by the installation of two new 2,000,000 litre steel water storage tanks. This was originally scheduled for November but there have been delays in the delivery of the tanks due to the COVID lockdown and the availability of steel.

Also coming up will be 900m of a new water supply pipeline between the water tanks, along Lincoln Road to the Frederick Street water treatment plant.

Website upgrade

This year we started upgrading our Council website.

We’re fortunate to be able to do this work inhouse, meaning we can provide a much better level of online service at no extra cost to ratepayers.

Here are some features we have already improved:

• Reviewed hundreds of historic news posts and removed any no longer relevant, preventing incorrect and outdated search results.
• Improved the search function and added a ‘search pages’ bar
• Overhauled the home page with a simple layout and quick link buttons to most used pages, such as meeting agendas and transfer station.
• Improved the layout of the building services section.

We will continue to give progress updates until completion in June 2022.

Wastewater Treatment Pond Upgrade

The third and central pond still requires a small section to be covered in.

Sections of the work for stage 3 progressed immediately after lockdown, though progress has been slow over the previous 2 weeks due to wet weather. Despite this, we are still within the timeframe of our consents to have the reservoirs operating.

The remaining work to be completed on the reservoirs includes lining to pond 2, completion of the anchor trenches, minor embankment fill (over anchor trenches), three concrete spillways, valve chambers lids and covers, subsoil testing, topsoil (Embankment crests), turf reinforcement matting, grassing, site clean up and remaining remediation work.

It is anticipated that this work could be completed by the end of January 2022.

Three Waters Reform

Our response to the proposed reform is now available. Our feedback was sent to the Department of Internal Affairs [DIA] on 1st October. Please note, Councils have not yet been asked to make a decision. At this stage we still believe Councils will be able to choose whether they can be part of the new entities proposed in the reforms, but this hasn’t been confirmed.

To view the full letter to DIA outlining our feedback and the letter we sent to ratepayers, visit www.cdc.govt.nz/threewaters

Library Improvements

We’re improving how you can find and use all our library collections. Your Wairarapa Library Service card already gives you access to all the collections at Featherston, Greytown, Martinborough and Carterton. From the 12th of October, we’re joining other SMART libraries around the region. Your library card will open the doors to half a million items and 26 libraries.

Check out the new Wairarapa Library Service website here

Frederick Street Water Treatment Plant upgrade

September/October 2021

The switchover from the old mains switchboard to the new mains switchboard and generator was completed in September. Since changing over to automatically running the plant (Bore 5) on the generator, we have lost mains power twice, but the the generator successfully switched into operation.

Powering the booster pumps with new variable speed drives (VSD’S) is next to be completed, currently scheduled for the end of this month.

The 2nd UV unit has been ordered, but the lead in time for shipping is currently unknown as it is coming from the UK.

Wastewater Treatment Plant Upgrade

Due to the COVID-19 Alert Level 4 lockdown, there are no new updates at this stage, however, work onsite has recommenced during Alert Level 2.

Frederick Street Water Treatment Plant upgrade

We have ordered an additional UV system and a port-a-com to house this in.

We have re-drilled an existing bore that had been capped off to explore if we could gain some additional water. The bore now provides a low level amount of water but does require extensive flushing prior to use.

New water sources for Carterton are crucial for our growing district. Work on future supplies has been brought forward, and analysis will start soon.

A quality options analysis will establish the available, and optimum source of potable water. We had funds set aside in the Ten Year Plan for next financial year to undertake an options analysis for an additional water source. After the Policy and Strategy committee had asked for the Eastern Growth area to have a greater density of housing they recommended to move the study to the current financial year. This recommendation was moved at the August Ordinary Council meeting.

Climate Change updates

Conservation week

Local organisations are urging the Wairarapa to take a moment to think about our climate this Conservation Week, 4-12 September. There’s a range of activities happening across the region – fish and insect monitoring, planting and weeding, expert presentations, art exhibitions, film screenings and more – there’s something for everyone. Plus, entry is either free or a koha! Climate Change Advisor, Mélanie Barthe, says some amazing guest speakers are lined up to speak at evening evetns being held in Carterton and Martinborough on the 3^rd and 11^th of September respectively.

For a programme of all the events on in your region this Conservation Week, click here

Town Centre Redevelopment

Mayor Greg Lang and Councillor Robyn Cherry-Campbell have been working hard with developers, businesses and building owners over the last 12 months to progress the redevelopment in the town centre. We’re excited to see Finom reopening at their new premises. The building next to 3Mile is having earthquake strengthening work done so the second hand shop can return to trading there. More townhouses are being built and some encouraging conversations are happening with businesses from other towns interested in relocating to our District.

We are also really pleased to see the town get behind Cafe Olé while they prepare to relocate to the Tryst building next to Double Dollar Plus. Olé will have to close for a few months while the building is being made fit for purpose but we are looking forward to their return as they are a unique part of our business community with a strong customer base.

Clock tower remediation & landscaping

The chimes are going again and there has been fantastic progress with the landscaping around the clocktower. Check out our video to get some insight into the inner workings of the clock mechanism and the chimes.

Three Waters Reform

Despite the Alert Level lockdown in August, the 3 Wairarapa Councils are still working through another period of analysis on our Districts’ drinking water, wastewater, and stormwater services. Councils are providing further analysis to Central Government by September 30.

We still do not know the exact costs for each Council. What we do know is no matter which model is chosen, household costs for water are likely to go up due to the following changes taking place:

• Taumata Arawai Drinking water standards
• The Water Services Bill currently going through Parliament
• The proposed natural resources plan from GWRC
• The national policy statement on freshwater management.

Whether councils join an entity or go it alone, the cost of meeting these new standards will rise.

What happens next?

At this stage, we believe Councils can opt out of being part of the new entities but this hasn’t been confirmed. The 1st October date is not a deadline for making a decision. Councils are using this time to gather as much information from Central Government to better understand the long-term impacts these reforms will have on our communities.

We don’t know what DIA will be asking of Councils at the end of this timeframe, but we will be able to give our feedback and have a better understanding of when the Government will start its community consultation.

Wastewater Treatment Plant Upgrade

Ponds 1 and 3 have had the lining completed with a small section of pond 2 left to finish. Ponds 1 and 3 have had their spillways finished and landscaping and topsoiling around the perimeter of the dam wall has been completed. Work on the valve chamber headworks has been undertaken and pipework connecting the treatment plant with the inlets to the ponds is happening with the stainless steel pipe fabrication being made off-site for the inlets. The outlet tee-bars for two of the ponds have also been installed at the southern end of the pond.

Frederick Street Water Treatment Plant upgrade

We are currently in the planning phase of when we can plan a shutdown of the Frederick Street Water Treatment Plant and a swap over to the Kaipaitangata treatment plant to undertake a few days of work.

The council has teamed up with WaterOutlook as part of the improvements it is making to its monitoring of the urban water supply. WaterOutlook is a specialised software platform owned and operated in New Zealand and used for gathering and analysing water quality data. Council staff will use WaterOutlook to keep across the vast amounts of data involved in running the district’s 3 Waters systems. Having that data at our fingertips will save us significant amounts of time and help improve water quality and compliance outcomes going forward.

Climate Change updates

This month the three Wairarapa councils launched a Healthy Home kit thanks to Climate Change Advisors Mélanie Barthe and Natasha Tomic. This self-assessment toolkit will enable you to assess your home for warmth and damp, and understand how it’s performing. You will find useful tips and advice to improve the comfort of your home, and the health of occupants. You can borrow the kit for FREE from the Carterton, Greytown and Masterton Libraries (available at Martinborough and Featherston upon request).

To read the full statement click here

To view the self-user guide and record sheets visit www.cdc.govt.nz/healthyhome

Conservation week

Local organisations are urging the Wairarapa to take a moment to think about our climate this Conservation Week, 4-12 September. There’s a range of activities happening across the region – fish and insect monitoring, planting and weeding, expert presentations, art exhibitions, film screenings and more – there’s something for everyone. Plus, entry is either free or a koha! Climate Change Advisor, Mélanie Barthe, says some amazing guest speakers are lined up to speak at evening evetns being held in Carterton and Martinborough on the 3^rd and 11^th of September respectively.

For a programme of all the events on in your region this Conservation Week, click here

Town Centre Redevelopment

Exciting developments are continuing, including Finom’s announcement that it will be relocating to the old Salvation Army building on High Street, which has been restored and renovated. This is just one of many buildings which will be refurbished for a business to relocate to, with plans in place for the earthquake prone building the businesses relocate from. We will continue to update you as soon as the information is able to be made public.

Clock tower remediation & landscaping

The landscaping is coming along well with progress being made on the concrete seating around the base of the clocktower. In early July, the chimes stopped sounding after one of the motors burnt out. This was sent away to experts in Lower Hutt to repair. They rewired it, tested it and ran it before assessing the condition of the gearing and returning it to us. We are now in the process of refitting it to the mechanism to get the chimes going again soon.

Three Waters Reform

July/August 2021

Central Government has released the cabinet papers for the next steps of the three waters review detailing the number of proposed entities and the boundaries they will cover. In addition, the Government announced a $2.5 billion package to support local government transition through the reforms to New Zealand’s drinking water, wastewater and stormwater services.  $2 billion has been set aside for councils to invest in the future for local government, urban development, and the wellbeing of their communities.  $500 million of the 2.5bn seeks to address the costs and financial impacts that councils would incur such as the transfer of water assets, liabilities, revenue and staff to a new water services entity. The funding also ensures councils will be able to continue to sustainably perform their non-water related roles and functions.

What happens next?
Council staff and elected members will spend the next 8 weeks collating further information from Central Government and reviewing it to determine how this will affect both the council and our District as a whole. We are still unsure as to what DIA will be asking of Local Councils at the end of the 8 weeks, however, we should have a better idea of when central government intends to commence community consultation.  At this stage, the Council has made no indication whether it is leaning towards opting in or out, and any media reports which state otherwise are incorrect

Wastewater Treatment Plant Upgrade

Viking placed the geo fabric on the remaining sections of pond 1 in the week ending 11 June 2021, they are still to complete pond 2 geo fabric then finish laying the black liner and have this tested for leak integrity. While waiting for the reservoirs to be completed, work on stage 3 has started on the upgrade of the existing wet well, located next to the UV treatment system on Dalefield Road. Late delivery of the stage 2 has pushed stage 3 into less desirable winter conditions therefore the remaining cannot now be completed until the end of next summer, but we are still within the time period of our consents to have the reservoirs operating. Once the physical works on the site are completed the upgraded plant will be commissioned.

Clock tower remediation & landscaping

The clock tower reserve landscape renovation is underway, with improved access, new seats and 3 specimen trees being the main features. The groundwork is being done by the Council using existing maintenance budgets from the Parks and Reserves budget. The team is making good progress but this work may take a few months, at which stage the Carterton Lions will help with the planting. There will be timber seating, lots of planting and trees for shading, creating a green and welcoming community space. An important feature includes lowering the ground level of the main seating space to footpath level to remove the current step up from the footpath, making the area accessible to those using wheelchairs or mobility scooters.

Three Waters Reform