Going with the flow has paid off for a Cambridge wastewater project, which has been named a finalist in the Water New Zealand Excellence Awards 2026.
The Cambridge Wastewater Treatment Plant upgrade - the Waipā District's largest-ever infrastructure project - is one of three finalists in the Project Award category.
Waipā Mayor Mike Pettit said the project had always been about more than pipes and pumps. “Wastewater might not be glamorous, but this project shows what can happen when you bring the right people together, listen and go with the flow,” he says. “It’s great to see that approach recognised nationally, and it’s something everyone involved can be proud of.”
Chief executive Steph O’Sullivan said the nomination recognises much more than a major piece of infrastructure.
“Strong partnerships have underpinned the Cambridge Wastewater Treatment Plant from the outset,” she says. “It brought together mana whenua, Council, engineers, contractors and operators, with everyone bringing different expertise and perspectives to the table.
“What’s more, the plant was delivered on time and the project overall is on track to meet budget, a significant achievement in the recently challenging and inflationary environment.”
Mana whenua were involved from the beginning, with a Council-formed Kaitiaki Group working alongside engineers and technical experts to ensure the health and wellbeing of the Waikato River was central to every aspect of the project.
Ngāti Hauā, Ngaati Koroki Kahukura, Raukawa and Waikato-Tainui were all part of that relationship, influencing the design and helping shape how the plant connects with the natural environment.
Norm Hill of the Kaitiaki Group said the acknowledgement of partnership aligned with best practice.
“Early mana whenua influences in the master plan, design and cultural overlays and treatment processes ensured the mauri and mana of our Tupuna Awa, whakapapa, whenua and taonga tuku iho was respected and achieved.”
The partnership is also reflected at the point where treated wastewater returns to the Waikato River, where two mauri stones mark the connection with the awa. The partnership approach has already been rewarded, with the project winning a Special Award at the 2024 ACE Awards. The award recognised the Kaitiaki Group for its commitment to collaboration, indigenous knowledge, kaitiakitanga (guardianship) and the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi.
The winners of the Water New Zealand Excellence Awards will be announced at the Water New Zealand Conference and Expo in Kirikiriroa Hamilton on September 22-24.
The other two finalists in the Project Award category are Earth Sciences New Zealand for Mā te Haumaru o ngā Puna Wai o Rākaihautū ka ora mō ake tonu: Flood Resilience Aotearoa, and Watercare Services with Ghella Abergeldie JV for the Central Interceptor Main Works.
BACKGROUND
The Cambridge Wastewater Treatment Plant opened on June 30, 2026, marking the completion of Waipā District Council’s largest-ever infrastructure project. The $108.5 million plant serves Cambridge, Leamington, Hautapu and Karāpiro, providing capacity for the area’s growth and future wastewater needs.
The plant uses membrane bioreactor technology and solar power, reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 90 percent compared with the old pond-based system. Nearly 40,000 native plants have been planted across the site over the past two years, with wetland restoration and further planting continuing over the next decade.
Waikato Waters Ltd took over operation of the plant on July 1, 2026.
