You're invited to farewell Hiwa-i-te-Rangi, the giant tunnelling machine that will bore the Central Interceptor

23/07/2021
On Sunday 1 August, Aucklanders will have the chance to see Hiwa-i-te-Rangi before she disappears completely, digging her way from Māngere to Grey Lynn to create our $1.2 billion Central Interceptor wastewater tunnel.
 
The public is being invited to see the tunnel boring machine (TBM) at the bottom of the launch shaft and visit the construction site on Greenwood Road in Māngere.
 
Central Interceptor executive programme director, Shayne Cunis says this a unique opportunity for Aucklanders to see for themselves why this is the biggest wastewater project in New Zealand's history: “It’s not until you peer over the edge of the almost 40-metre-deep launch shaft and see the size of Hiwa-i-te-Rangi sitting below that you start to understand the scale of this project.
 
“Everyone who works on the Central Interceptor is aware of the legacy we’re leaving – cleaner inner waterways and harbours. It’s something we’re all incredibly proud of and we’re delighted to invite the public to our main construction site before Hiwa-i-te-Rangi begins her almost 15-kilometre-long underground journey.”
 
Two new link sewers will connect with the main tunnel. The first link sewer to be completed will travel from May Road to Miranda Reserve in Avondale. The second will start near the Mt Albert War Memorial and travel 1.5-kilometres to the Ōrākei sewer main.
 
Self-guided tours will run from 10.30am to 2.30pm. Visitors are asked to wear flat, enclosed shoes and warm clothing, which includes long pants and long sleeves. Reservations are made on a first come, first served basis. Tickets can be booked here.