Waikeria blessing marks start of development

On Wednesday 11 September, kaumatua from local iwi led a cultural blessing for the first stage of the Waikeria wastewater pipeline project.

The site blessing was undertaken by Rovina Maniapoto Anderson, Solomon Nelson and Shane Te Ruki, on behalf of local iwi representatives Maniapoto Māori Trust Board, Raukawa Settlement Trust and Te Whakakitenga o Waikato Incorporated. Waipa District Council, Department of Corrections and Spartan Construction staff and representatives were also in attendance.

The blessing took place at the site of the new wastewater pump station and accompanying works, within Waikeria Prison grounds.

Waipa District Council’s project delivery manager of major capital works, Lorraine Kendrick, said yesterday marked an integral step in the long-term project.

“This blessing marks the start of the Waikeria Pipeline Project which will provide benefits to our district, the whenua, and to Waikeria Prison. This first blessing gives acknowledgement of land for the purposes of construction on site at Waikeria through to Kihikihi.”

“There will also be blessings taking place as we reach significant milestones during this project.”

Blessing was given to the land and for the workers while undertaking construction works for the new wastewater pipeline which includes building a new Wastewater Pump Station at Waikeria Prison and the pipeline between the prison and Kihikihi.

The project also includes replacing the existing Albert Park pump station, and pipeline improvements from Albert Park to Paterangi Road.

The Waikeria Pipeline Project will deliver significant improvements to the wastewater network in Te Awamutu by allowing the network to accommodate expected increase in flows from the prison whilst also providing an increased capacity for Te Awamutu’s projected growth. Construction is expected to take 14 months to complete.

The Department of Corrections and Waipa District Council agreed to transfer wastewater treatment to Council’s existing wastewater treatment plant in Te Awamutu in December 2016.

To keep up to date with the Waikeria Pipeline project, visit waipadc.govt.nz/MajorProjects.