Procurement underway for $1.7 billion Waikato Water Supply Programme to strengthen Auckland's water security

Watercare has opened a Registration of Interest (ROI) process for the $1.7 billion Waikato Water Supply Programme, seeking Alliance delivery partners to help deliver infrastructure that will strengthen Auckland's water security, improve resilience and support future growth.

Watercare chief executive Jamie Sinclair says the Waikato Water Supply Programme is one of the most important long-term investments in Auckland's water future.

"This programme will give us the infrastructure we need to fully utilise our existing consented allocation from the Waikato River, strengthen Auckland's long-term water security, support growth and help the city respond to climate pressures.”

The programme includes a new raw water intake, increased treatment capacity, approximately 50 kilometres of pipeline and a 50-megalitre reservoir at Pukekohe West. The overall programme is targeted for completion by the end of 2033.

The Waikato River already plays a significant role in Auckland's water supply, normally providing around 20 per cent of the city's drinking water and significantly more during periods of high demand or when dam storage levels are low.

Sinclair says the Alliance model has been selected due to the scale and complexity of the programme, including integration with existing infrastructure, delivery timeframes, environmental considerations and the cultural significance of the area.

"The Alliance will bring together the expertise needed to support the programme's objectives around resilience, growth and drought protection, while delivering environmental, cultural, social and economic outcomes through meaningful partnership with mana whenua and alignment with the vision and objectives of Te Ture Whaimana o Te Awa o Waikato.”

Watercare's work in the Waikato sits within a long-standing relationship with Waikato-Tainui that dates back to 1998, when the original Waikato Water Treatment Plant was being built.

"The Waikato Water Supply Programme will reflect a shared commitment to protecting and restoring the river over the long term, while planning responsibly for Auckland's future water needs."

The ROI is the first stage of a multi-stage procurement process, with construction expected to begin in early 2028 and programme completion targeted for the end of 2033.

Registrations of Interest (ROI) are available through GETS from today.