North Harbour 2 watermain project
A new watermain in the north and west Auckland areas.
Duration
2025 - 2036
Location
North and west Auckland areas
Status
Planning
The Latest
The North Harbour 2 team has recently achieved two key milestones, with both the Albany tie-in works and the SH18/Bush Road Albany works now complete. These important stages have been delivered safely and successfully, helping pave the way for critical water infrastructure that will strengthen resilience and support growth across Auckland's Upper North Shore. Work is now progressing at The Knoll, and you'll soon see new North Harbour 2 project signage installed on the site fencing, providing more information about the project and the essential infrastructure being delivered for Auckland's water future.
Project overview
North Harbour 2 (NH2) is a 33km watermain that will service a population increase of 200,000 people in west and north Auckland. NH2 will provide treated water to cater for growth but also provide resilience by duplicating the existing North Harbour 1 (NH1), including a critical section at the Greenhithe Bridge crossing. NH2 will service peak demands along the network, especially in the upper north shore.
Please refer to the map below showing our proposed alignment for NH2.
What’s happening next (2026–2028)
Over the next couple of years, we will continue with:
- Connection and enabling works around Greenhithe Bridge
- Localised construction activities
- Preparation for the main construction phase
Keeping you informed
We will continue targeted communications for the Greenhithe community and residents impacted by our works.
Project updates
Project updates
Greenhithe Bridge works – Stage 2
What’s happening next
Following early works completed under Greenhithe Bridge, we are progressing to the next stage of works to prepare the network for future connection.
These connection and enabling works include:
- Installing valves, chambers and pipe connections
- Preparing the network so it can be safely operated and maintained in the future
These works are essential to integrate the new watermain into the existing network.
Timing
Early works: June to December 2026
Main works: January 2027 to June 2028
Watercare will remain based at the causeway until December 2026 while early-stage works are completed. The main contractor is scheduled to mobilise in mid-January 2027, meaning the area will continue to operate as an active construction site through to June 2028.
Site works at The Knoll
From June 2026, Watercare will use our property at 15 The Knoll as an access point to the work site.
What to expect:
- Truck movements along the driveway
- Monday to Friday: 6:30am – 6:30pm
- Occasional Saturday works: 7:00am – 3:00pm
The connection and enabling works are expected to take around six months, although access will be required beyond this phase for the ongoing works to install the new pipeline across the bridge, as well as subsequent works through to 2034.
Our contractor will need to access our site compound (as shown on the map below).
Project milestones
The following North Harbour 2 activities have now been completed:
- Greenhithe Bridge early works (Stage 1): Structural support works beneath Greenhithe Bridge were completed to prepare for the future installation of the NH2 watermain.
- The Knoll Meet the Contractor session: A community information session was held in June 2026 to introduce the project team and provide an opportunity for local residents to learn more about upcoming works.
- Sinton Road works: Targeted works to install a new section of pipe into the existing watermain have been completed, with property access maintained throughout construction.
- State Highway 18 and Bush Road, Albany investigations: Geotechnical investigations along SH18 and Bush Road have been successfully completed. The programme was delivered safely and efficiently, providing critical information to support the detailed design and construction planning for the North Harbour 2 watermain.
Find out more
Please check back regularly for updates or changes to timing as the works progress.