RNZ 'Fatberg' Article
Response
Sent: Monday, 11 May 2026 11:46 am
Subject: Official Information Request - RNZ 'Fatberg' Article
I refer to your Official Information request of 6 May 2026 for information regarding the RNZ article on Fatberg being the reason for a stream closure.
Question:
The email or letter or communication that Rotorua Lakes Council sent to Te Arawa Lakes Trust and Tuhourangi Tribal Authority and Te Komiti Nui o Ngāti Whakaue informing them that there had been a sewer leak into the Puarenga Stream. Please include the date and time of the communication to these groups, if there was any communication.
Answer:
Please find the email that Council sent communicating to the above groups HERE.
Question:
Any photos or videos the council or its contractor has of the fatberg that it says caused the leak.
Answer:
Due to the fatberg developing inside the sewer main (pipe), there are no photos from inside the sewer main (pipe). The blockage was cleared with a Hi-Blast. This is essentially a high-pressure water blaster that is used to break up the fatberg clearing the blockage. Please find attached photos from after the H-Blast process had occurred:
Question:
How often does the council or its contractor check sewer manholes to ensure build ups of non-biodegradable materials or any blockages are cleared?
Answer:
There is no set inspection frequency for a manhole. Manholes are inspected based on risk (condition and criticality), locations that previously have experienced blockages and/or overflows are proactively scheduled for CCTV inspection (camera scanning of connected pipework).
Question:
Is the council or its contractor taking any steps to disconnect sewer manholes from stormwater cesspits so there are no sewer overflows into waterways and then eventually Lake Rotorua?
Answer:
There are no stormwater cesspits connected to sewer manholes. If a blockage occurs in the sewer network, wastewater will overflow from a manhole.
