Watercare takes next step in Auckland's wastewater transformation
04 November 2026Two major wastewater projects worth around $500 million are set to go to market, helping reduce overflows into Auckland waterways, support future growth and extend the benefits of the Central Interceptor across the city's western suburbs.
Watercare is seeking expressions of interest domestically and abroad, for contractors to deliver the Motions Wastewater Catchment Improvements Project and Avondale Collector Project.
Together, the projects will connect western catchments to the Central Interceptor, reducing wastewater overflows into streams and harbours, improving environmental outcomes and creating capacity for future growth.
The projects are part of Watercare’s planned $15.2 billion capital programme, which will see record investment in Auckland’s water and wastewater infrastructure over the next decade.
Watercare chief programme delivery officer Mark Crowle says the projects build on the momentum of the recently completed Central Interceptor wastewater tunnel and the Herne Bay Collector, which is under construction.
“The Central Interceptor is already improving Auckland’s waterways. These projects will extend those benefits by reducing overflows in our western catchments while creating capacity for future growth.
“They’re also a significant opportunity for contractors who want to help deliver the next generation of city-shaping infrastructure.”
The Motions project will deliver a 3.2km wastewater tunnel with an additional 1.7km of connection pipes linking the Motions catchment to the Central Interceptor at Western Springs, while reducing overflows into Motions Creek and surrounding waterways.
The Avondale project will deliver a 2.35km wastewater tunnel and 650m of connection pipes to divert flows to the Central Interceptor, significantly reducing overflows while supporting future redevelopment and growth in the area.
Expressions of interest for the Avondale Collector Project will open on 13 November and expressions of interest for Motions will open in early 2027.
View the full Motions Wastewater Catchment Improvements project map
