Application filed for injunction to enable critical wastewater works

Rotorua Lakes Council has applied to the District Court for an injunction under section 162 of the Local Government Act 2002 to enable works associated with the Tarawera sewerage scheme to continue.

Stage 1 of the scheme (network mains and pump stations) is progressing well and due for completion in October 2024 and pre-construction preliminary work for Stage 2 (on-property low pressure grinder pumps) is underway.

Council is legally able to install water, stormwater and wastewater pipelines within existing road corridors but in January 2024 work to install pipeline mains under Tarawera Road was paused following protest obstruction, interference with the work site and safety concerns raised by the contractor.

To ensure the safety of contractors and work sites and avoid delays that could impact the health of the lake and would have cost implications for the Tarawera community, Council has applied for an injunction so works can continue on Tarawera Road.

Rotorua Lakes Council General Manager Infrastructure and Environment, Stavros Michael, says the council is taking this step to prevent further interference with the site.

“We understand some do not support the pipeline running along Tarawera Road and we acknowledge people’s right to peaceful protest. However, Council is bound by legal commitments and we cannot now re-design or re-route the project, changing decisions made some four years ago which would come at a significant cost to the Tarawera community.”

The purpose of the Tarawera scheme is to protect the health of the community and the lake. Without the scheme, untreated human wastewater will continue to leach through groundwater into Lake Tarawera which is unacceptable, Mr Michael says.

“The scheme has been the result of extensive community consideration over many years, including discussion with and input from, iwi and hapū. Arriving at the preferred option followed careful consideration of all technical, cultural, financial and planning factors.

“We are now at a point where the project is well underway, with much of the stage 1 construction already completed.”

Works on the road corridor will not re-start until the Court has considered and determined the injunction application.

The application for an injunction seeks to prevent anyone from:

• Stopping, obstructing or interfering with the installation of a pipeline along Tarawera Road for the purpose of the Tarawera Wastewater Reticulation Scheme;
• Entering the work zone (including contractors’ construction yard) without authorisation from the council or its contractors;
• Stopping or obstructing authorised vehicles from accessing the work zone.

A full copy of the application can be viewed on the Public Notices section of our website or at the Council offices at 1061 Haupapa Street, Rotorua. The District Court will consider the information put forward by Council and any opposition before making a decision on the application. Any order made will be published as the Court directs.