22 May 2026: Recovered water project

Media: Aukaha News

Topic: Project looking at future solutions for management of recovered water

Enquiry

Reporter sought an interview relating to the recovered water project following yesterday’s delegation to Council.

These are the questions;
Kua kaha te whakahē a Te Arawa whānui i te tukunga para ki roto i ngā roto — nō reira, e pēhea ana te Kaunihera e whakautu ana ki aua māharahara?
He aha tonu te take e whakaarohia tonutia ana te tukunga para wai ki ngā roto ahakoa te kaha o te whakahē mai a Te Arawa whānui?
He aha ngā huarahi kē atu e tirohia ana hei whakakapi i te tukunga para wai ki ngā roto?

English translations:

The general Te Arawa opposition to the discharge of wastewater into the lakes is strong — therefore, how is the Council responding to those concerns?

Why is the discharge of wastewater into the lakes still being considered despite the strong opposition from the wider Te Arawa community?

What alternative methods are being explored to replace the discharge of wastewater into the lakes?

Response

Cr Te Rika Temara-Benfell, who is on the recovered water working group, was interviewed today and made the following key points:

• He reiterated that the Recovered Water Working Group is not considering or proposing direct discharge to water.
• He acknowledged the strong community views around protecting the health and wellbeing of our people and environment, noting the importance of the project.
• Elected members, as decision-makers, recently heard from a delegation of Te Arawa descendants who emphasised the cultural, environmental, and whakapapa significance of Rotorua-nui-a-kahumatamomoe and the need to protect it for future generations.
• The Recovered Water Working Group includes 11 members representing mana whenua, elected members, technical experts and the wider community.
• A number of the members of the Working Group are Te Arawa descendants.
• The Working Group is continuing to explore a range of exciting alternative solutions, including options such as constructed wetlands and land contact beds.
• A list of options will be presented to Council in the coming months, with further assessments then to be carried out against a range of factors to follow, including consideration through a Mātauranga Māori lens.
• Final decisions will be made by elected members, with a decision anticipated by the end of the year.

We want everyone to be involved in the project, present their views right throughout the process and join us on this journey.