Mangawhai’s new wastewater scheme, EcoCare, has been officially opened. Representatives from Kaipara District Council, Northland Regional Council, Whangarei District Council and members of the Mangawhai community saw NRC chair, Mark Farnsworth, cutting the ribbon with Kaipara Mayor, Neil Tiller.

Mr Tiller said the scheme, built by contractors, Water Infrastructure Group Limited, “has delivered a system that provides an effective solution to the wastewater problem at Mangawhai.”

The project was undertaken on a public-private contractual model that provides for Water Infrastructure Group Limited to design, build and operate the scheme for up to 15 years.

“This model ensures the contractor has a vested interest in the scheme and develops a scheme that performs as required. This approach, together with the private sector funding model adopted by council has proved to be a model for success,” Mr Tiller added.

“A critical issue for the community was the final disposal option adopted for the project. The end result has been that the wastewater will now be reclaimed and reused for sustainable farming. A newly developed, controlled irrigation system has been installed at the council owned dairy farm.

“Like many large undertakings, the project has not been without its complications. Two significant issues occurred during the course of the project which delayed practical commencement from 2003 to 2005 that resulted in council re-evaluating the delivery of the project and renegotiating the contract.

In spite of the delays the project works are, with some minor exceptions caused by specific circumstances, completed on time and under budget. Those few remaining delayed connections are as a result of issues with developers and these are in the process of being resolved.