The Trust Board Responds to Wastewater Overflow into Waikato Awa

MEDIA STATEMENT

Tūwharetoa Māori Trust Board has been advised by Taupō District Council (TDC) of a wastewater overflow into the Waikato Awa following yesterday’s heavy rainfall. TDC have estimated that between 150 and 200 cubic metres of treated wastewater were discharged from the Taupō Wastewater Treatment Plant into the awa between 6pm and 7pm. This is due to excessive rainwater entering the wastewater network.

While TDC expects the risk to water quality to be minimal due to high river flows and the short discharge period, we remain concerned about the ongoing impact of wastewater incidents on the health of our waterways. As kaitiaki (custodians) of Taupō Waters, we have a deep responsibility to protect our awa, and any discharge raises both environmental and cultural concerns.

The Trust Board holds title to Taupō Waters, which includes the lakebed of Lake Taupō, the Waikato Awa up to Te Toka a Tia (the Rock of Tia), Huka Falls, and the beds of various rivers and streams flowing into Taupō Moana.

“Taupō Moana and the Waikato Awa are taonga (treasures) for all New Zealanders, and we all have a role to play in their care,” says Rakeipoho Taiaroa, Chief Executive of the Tūwharetoa Māori Trust Board. “While incidents like this are sometimes unavoidable in extreme weather, we must continue to look for ways to strengthen wastewater management and better safeguard our waterways for the betterment of all communities.”

The Trust Board acknowledges that water quality testing is underway and await the results. We will continue working with TDC, Waikato Regional Council, and other agencies to monitor the situation and advocate for efforts that prevent future wastewater incidents.

We encourage all recreational and commercial users of Waikato Awa downstream of the Taupō Wastewater Treatment Plant to take appropriate precautions.