Building for growth: major wastewater upgrade moves into next phase in Pukekohe

Commuters can once again park outside Pukekohe Train Station as Watercare reaches another milestone in the $98.2 million Pukekohe North Wastewater Upgrades project.

The project will provide essential wastewater infrastructure to support around 12,900 future homes and help keep pace with the rapid growth planned for Pukekohe and surrounding communities.

With work now complete around the train station, construction of the new 4km wastewater transmission pipeline is moving into the next phase of the project, including a new wastewater pump station on Isabella Drive.

The new facility will replace the existing Isabella and Cape Hill pump stations and more than double their combined capacity, pumping up to 480 litres of wastewater per second.

Franklin Ward Councillor Andy Baker says that investing in this project today is critical in supporting the area's future.

"Pukekohe is expected to welcome around 50,000 new residents over the next 20 years, and it's important that infrastructure keeps pace with that growth.

"Every stage of this project brings us closer to ensuring the community has the wastewater infrastructure needed to support more homes, jobs and opportunities in the years ahead.

"It's one of a series of interconnected projects needed to support both existing residents and future growth across Pukekohe and Paerata.

“I’d also like to thank the wider community for their patience and understanding while this work is being carried out.

“While the work is causing temporary disruption, these upgrades will strengthen the wastewater network and help ensure it continues to meet the community’s needs for years to come.”

Watercare senior project manager Stephan Morkel says the project is on schedule for completion by early 2028.

" We've completed piling works for the new pump station and satellite manhole shafts, while construction of the storage tank shaft is progressing well.

"Alongside this, we're installing new wastewater pipelines that will connect the existing network to the new Pukekohe North Wastewater Pump Station, creating a more resilient system with greater capacity for future growth.”

Watercare is working closely with Auckland Transport, local stakeholders and construction partner Fulton Hogan to minimise disruption wherever possible while delivering this critical infrastructure upgrade.

Watercare project manager Stephan Morkel at the Pukekohe North Wastewater Punmp Station

Project progress expected for September – November

This month (September 2026) work will move to Franklin Road. To safely complete the installation of the new pipeline, the northbound lane between Franklin Leisure Centre and Reynolds Road will be closed. The southbound lane will remain open with traffic management and detours in place.

Isabella Drive will also be closed to through traffic until the end of this stage phase, expected to be late November. Residents and emergency vehicles will continue to have access at all times.

Current works on Subway Road are expected to be completed by the end of this month (September 2026).

Alternative commuter parking at the Pukekohe Showgrounds will remain available throughout construction and can be accessed via Subway Road and the northern end of Station Road.

Wastewater transmission works along Station Road