Albert Park Pump Station blessed
Albert Park Pump Station blessed
25 November 2019
On Thursday 21 November 2019, kaumatua from local iwi led a cultural blessing for the new Albert Park Pump Station site in Te Awamutu.
The ceremony began with Rovina Maniapoto and Barney Manaia leading the blessing on behalf of local Iwi representatives from Maniapoto Ki Te Raki and Ngāti Apakura.
The blessing was undertaken for the new wastewater pump station and pipeline upgrade project. This was undertaken for the spiritual protection of those working on the Te Awamutu section of the Waikeria pipeline. Councillor Susan O’Regan and project staff from Waipā District Council and Spartan Construction were also in attendance.
Council’s group manager service delivery, Dawn Inglis, said the blessing was for the Albert Park site and accompanying works further through Te Awamutu.
“This morning’s blessing marks the start of stage two of our wider Waikeria Pipeline project which brings greater environmental benefits for the district as wastewater will be able to be brought through to our modern plant in Te Awamutu for treatment.”
“The upgrade will also have additional capacity so we are future-proofing our infrastructure for our growing population.”
Albert Park Pump Station is being upgraded as part of the wider Waikeria Wastewater Connection, a major infrastructure project for Council.
The upgraded facility will cater for the flows from Waikeria Prison which will connect into Council’s wastewater network once completed. It will also cater for projected growth in Kihikihi and Te Awamutu South East and pumps the wastewater through to the Te Awamutu Wastewater Treatment Plant for processing.
The new facility will be built between the sculpture garden and the sports fields, to the south of the current Albert Park Pump Station, which will be removed once the new facility is in operation. It will house two 1.7 tonne pumps, capable of moving 60 to 100 litres of wastewater per second and will have space for a third pump to ensure future growth beyond 2035 can be accommodated with ease.
The project also includes pipeline improvements between Albert Park through to Paterangi Road which will be undertaken in the new year. Once completed, the upgraded Albert Park Pump Station will be capable of moving 9,108m3 or approximately three olympic-sized swimming pools of wastewater every day.
During the Albert Park works, the Pioneer Walkway will be diverted next to the Hot Rod Club building and towards the Te Awamutu Rugby Club rooms via a marked path. Access to the off-lead dog exercise area will remain open. Works are expected to be completed in mid 2020.
To learn more about the Waikeria Wastewater Connection project, visit waipadc.govt.nz/waikeria.
