Water services investment for Rangitīkei

Rangitīkei District Council is in the middle of a significant infrastructure programme that will improve and consolidate water services across the district. 

Marton Water Strategy

To date, Marton’s drinking water supply has relied on surface water from the Tūtaenui Dams. While this system continues to operate safely, some residents have experienced ongoing issues with water discolouration, taste and smell – particularly at certain times of the year. These issues are largely linked to naturally occurring algae in surface water, which can be difficult and costly to treat to consistently high standards. As drinking water regulations, environmental expectations, and community needs continue to evolve, it has become clear that Marton needs a more reliable, future-focused solution.

Through the Marton Water Strategy, Rangitīkei District Council is progressing a shift from surface water to groundwater sourced from bores. Groundwater is generally more consistent in quality, easier to treat, and less affected by seasonal changes, making it a more resilient option for Marton’s long-term drinking water supply. 

A key part of the strategy is replacing Marton’s existing drinking water treatment plant, which is more than 100 years old. A trial of a new treatment system using nanofiltration technology was completed in December 2025. This trial tested how effectively the system treats groundwater to a high standard, while also assessing long-term performance, operational needs, and how wash water from the treatment process can be safely managed.

Final recommendations on the preferred treatment solution are expected by February 2026. From here, the project will move into commissioning of the new plant. As this project is in its final stages, the total budget has been committed by Rangitīkei District Council and the cost of commissioning will not be transferred to Central Districts Water. 

Marton-Bulls Wastewater Centralisation Project 

The Marton and Bulls wastewater treatment plants have supported local communities for decades. While still operational, both systems need significant upgrades to meet modern environmental standards and community expectations. 

The Marton-Bulls Wastewater Centralisation Project will bring wastewater treatment for both towns together into a single, modern system. Centralising the system means transferring Marton’s wastewater to Bulls for treatment and discharge, rather than treating wastewater separately at two ageing sites. This allows for a more consistent and efficient treatment process, greater operational resilience, and the use of modern technology that is better suited to long-term needs.

To do this, Rangitīkei District Council, industry partners and key stakeholders have been assessing a wide range of options alongside new national wastewater treatment standards released in 2025. These options look at different ways wastewater could be collected, transferred, treated, and discharged as part of a centralised system. Community feedback on any preferred option is expected this year.

The estimated investment for the Marton to Bulls Wastewater Centralisation project between 2024 and 2034 is $42M. 

Wastewater and stormwater upgrades

Between 2024 and 2034, planned investment in wastewater includes $34M to upgrade the Taihape wastewater treatment plant to support the town’s growth, $1.5M to upgrade the Hunterville wastewater treatment plant and improve the community’s wastewater system, and $1.6m to replace ageing infrastructure and refurbish the plant in Mangaweka. Stormwater investment includes $7m for Follett Street upgrades in Marton. 

The planned wastewater and stormwater upgrades will focus on practical improvements to help networks continue to operate reliably as communities grow. They include upgrading treatment processes, renewing ageing assets, improving pipe capacity, and modernising stormwater drainage.