We are reviewing our wastewater treatment

The review began prior to the release of the proposed National Wastewater Environmental Performance Standards. These underwent public consultation from February to April 2025 and are expected to be finalised in late 2025, following the enactment of the Local Government (Water Services) Bill. These standards aim to make the consent process easier by focusing on meeting clear performance targets, rather than proving the effects of each discharge. 

Napier City Council will ensure any future consent aligns with these new standards once they are in effect.  

Following the wastewater treatment review, we will review Council’s Wastewater Treatment Plant Masterplan to:  

• Refine treatment options 
• Establish priorities for implementation 
• Set budget forecasts for the 2026 Long-Term Plan 
• Help meet the proposed Environmental Performance Standards if they become law. 

How to have your say

We've provided a number of ways for people to have their say on Napier's Wastewater Treatment Review. Feedback closes at 5pm, Sunday 10 August.

• Register for our wastewater treatment plant tour.
• Come along to our ‘Water Matters’ evening on Tuesday 5 August, 5.30pm-7pm, at the Maraenui Golf Club and talk to our experts.
  
• If you need assistance or would like a copy of the full document, pop in and see the friendly team at our Customer Service Centre, Napier Library or Taradale Library.
• Complete the online submission form below.
• A pdf version of the feedback form is available here.

Helpful Links

• Background on why we're reviewing our wastewater treatment
• Proposed National Wastewater Environmental Performance Standards
• Local Government (Water Services) Bill
• Napier Wastewater Treatment Plant Performance Evaluation July 2024
• Our wastewater network and how it works
• Frequently Asked Questions

Timeline

NCC was granted consent to discharge treated wastewater into Hawke Bay via a 1.6km outfall

2010

A biological trickling filter was commissioned

August 2014

Wastewater consent was updated to include four new conditions relating to human health effects and the environment

2019

NCC began a review of its current wastewater treatment for Hawke’s Bay Regional Council

November 2024

Community consultation on Napier's wastewater treatment opens

10 July 2025

Community tour of Awatoto Wastewater Treatment Plant and study group

29 July 2025

Community tour of Awatoto Wastewater Treatment Plant and study group

2 August 2025

‘Water Matters’ community information evening at Maraenui Golf Club, 5.30pm-7pm

5 August 2025

Community consultation on Napier's wastewater treatment closes

10 August 2025, 5pm

Final report for Wastewater Treatment Review due to HBRC

31 December 2025

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