Parawai Pipeline Upgrade
Updates
10 June 2026
Ngongotahā Cycleway Temporary Closure
As part of the ongoing Parawai Rising Main project - a 3.8km wastewater pressure pipeline that carries sewage from the Parawai Road pump station to the city’s main network- the Ngongotahā cycleway between Parawai Road and Kawaha Point Road will be closed from 15 June until mid-July.
This closure is required to safely enable works while heavy machinery is operating on site. We appreciate the community’s patience while this essential infrastructure upgrade is completed. The path will be reopened as soon as it is safe to do so.
Project overview
Rotorua Lakes Council is replacing the Parawai Rising Main — a 3.8km wastewater pressure pipeline that carries sewage from the Parawai Road pump station to the city’s main network. This pipeline serves the Hamurana and Ngongotahā communities and is the third-largest pressure sewer main in Rotorua.
- The project involves installing a new pipeline alongside the existing one to Improve reliability of wastewater services and support future housing.
Construction is now underway.
Why we’re upgrading
A condition assessment found the existing pipeline was nearing the end of its life. A break could cause:
- Environmental damage
- Service disruption
- Public health risks
The pipeline is also critical to enabling new housing developments in the area. Without a reliable connection, Council would be unable to approve new wastewater connections.
Community benefits
- Improved reliability of wastewater services.
- Reduced risk of environmental and service disruption.
- Supports new housing developments.
- Enables future infrastructure development.
Timeline and stages
| Stage | Section | Estimated Dates |
|---|---|---|
| Stage 1 | Frank St → Kawaha Point Road | 4 Aug – 1 Sep 2025 |
| Stage 2 | Parawai → Frank St | 11 Aug – 1 Sep 2025 |
| Stage 3 | Parawai → Kawaha Point Road | 1 Sep – 30 Dec 2025 |
All going well and weather dependent, the project is expected to be completed by early 2026.
Budget and funding
To speed up the project, Council approved a reallocation of funding in 2024:
- $2.5 million brought forward from 2026/27 to 2024/25
- $2.5 million brought forward from 2027/28 to 2025/26
This reduces long-term costs by avoiding inflation and allows the work to be done ahead of the original schedule.
How is the work being done?
The new pipeline is being installed alongside the existing one. Once complete, flows will be switched over to the new one in a carefully managed process to avoid service disruption.
Instead of replacing the aging pipeline in sections over several years — which would carry higher risk — Rotorua Lakes Council is installing a new parallel pipeline along the same route. This ensures:
- Continuous wastewater service during construction
- Reduced risk of failure during the upgrade
- Efficient installation with fewer disruptions
Key steps in the replacement process:
- Detailed Design and Site Investigations
Engineers have completed design work and assessed risks, including how to manage flows and access during construction. - Drilling and Installation
The new pipeline is being installed alongside the existing one, using trenchless drilling methods where possible to reduce surface disruption, especially along the Ngongotahā cycleway and railway reserve. - Cut-over Procedure
Once the new pipeline is fully installed and tested, wastewater flows will be carefully switched from the old pipe to the new one. - Decommissioning
The old asbestos cement pipeline will be safely decommissioned once the new system is operational.
Cycleway closures
To complete the work safely, sections of the Ngongotahā cycleway will be closed in stages between August and December 2025
- Stage 1: Frank St → Kawaha Point Road
4 Aug – 1 Sep 2025 - Stage 2: Parawai → Frank Street
11 Aug – 1 Sep 2025 - Stage 3: Parawai → Kawaha Point Road
1 Sep – 30 Dec 2025
Each stage will be clearly signposted, and closures will be lifted as soon as it is safe to do so.
- Each stage will be signposted, and sections will be reopened as soon as it is safe to do so.
- These closures affect both cyclists and pedestrians.
Stage 1: Frank St → Kawaha Point Road
📆 4 August – 1 September 2025
Stage 2: Parawai → Frank Street
📆 11 August – 1 September 2025
Stage 3: Parawai → Kawaha Point Road
📆 1 September – 30 December 2025
Frequently asked questions
Why is the cycleway closed?
The closures are necessary to safely carry out surface works, drilling and pipeline installation. Heavy machinery and underground works pose safety risks to cyclists and pedestrians, so temporary closures are required.
Will I still be able to access my property?
Yes. Property access will be maintained throughout the project.
Where can I find detour maps?
These are featured on signage on-site and above.
Which sections are affected and when?
- Stage 1: Frank St → Kawaha Point Rd
4 Aug – 1 Sep 2025 - Stage 2: Parawai → Frank St
11 Aug – 1 Sep 2025 - Stage 3: Parawai → Kawaha Point Rd
1 Sep – 30 Dec 2025
Each stage will be clearly signposted, and closures will be lifted as soon as it is safe to do so.
What times will the closures be in effect?
Closures apply 24/7 during each stage, as the work zone remains active and unsafe for public access outside of working hours. Detours will remain in place until each section is reopened.
Project updates
July 31, 2025: Infrastructure Upgrades: Significant Projects for City - Rotorua Lakes Council
October 4, 2024: Infrastructure and Environment Committee meeting wrap - Rotorua Lakes Council
October 1, 2024: Infrastructure and Environment Committee meeting agenda - Rotorua Lakes Council
