Wairarapa water scheme 'viable', report says
The development of a proposed community wide water scheme for Wairarapa is viable and essential for the region’s future, says a new report.
With funding from the government’s Provincial Growth Fund, Wairarapa Water Ltd (WWL) commissioned Wellington-based consultants Lewis Tucker Ltd to provide an independent view on the proposed Wakamoekau Community Water Storage Scheme’s (WCWSS) commercial viability.
The Lewis Tucker Report updates earlier work by Greater Wellington Regional Council that looked at the Black Creek/Wakamoekau staged scheme, in the hills north-west of Masterton. The Report does not review environmental, cultural, social and economic impact which has been done recently by Greater Wellington Regional Council.
WWL took over the project from GWRC in June 2018 following completion of their investigations of water storage opportunities in the valley. WWL has since concentrated on the Wakamoekau site.
The Lewis Tucker Report peer reviews key aspects of the scheme. Based on confidence in both the underlying technical fundamentals of the proposed scheme and a positive resource consent pathway, and also clear evidence that there is demand for water, Lewis Tucker believe the WCWSS to be viable and state that there is a compelling case to advance the development of the scheme.
The Report notes that the status quo of Wairarapa’s water resources cannot be sustained, particularly given the increased demand for water due to climate change and environmental purposes.
Lewis Tucker’s findings align with the Wairarapa Economic Development Strategy’s position that resilient access to freshwater is the most significant and immediate priority for the region.
The proposed WCWSS is a small-scale scheme which will provide water to multiple users across the Wairarapa, including agricultural, environmental, industrial and urban. The Lewis Tucker Report recommends a 12 month program of work to reach a more accurate
conclusion before a decision can be made to apply for consents, engage with construction contractors and negotiate water supply agreements.
Wairarapa Water Ltd Chair Tim Lusk says the report is a substantial piece of work by an independent advisor and a panel of subject matter experts.
“The report’s findings validate the previous work by GWRC and have strengthened the case for further work to be done on the scheme.”
“WWL Board will now work with landowners, iwi, councils, water users, and other interested parties to plan and fund the next steps,” Mr Lusk says.
Poll: Should the government levy industries that contribute to financial hardship?
As reported in the Post, there’s a $30 million funding gap in financial mentoring. This has led to services closing and mentors stepping in unpaid just to keep helping people in need 🪙💰🪙
One proposed solution? Small levies on industries that profit from financial hardship — like banks, casinos, and similar companies.
So we want to hear what you think:
Should the government ask these industries to contribute?
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59.2% Yes, supporting people is important!
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25.6% No, individuals should take responsibility
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15.2% ... It is complicated
A Neighbourly Riddle! Don’t Overthink It… Or Do?😜
Do you think you know the answer? Simply 'Like' this post if you know the answer and the big reveal will be posted in the comments at 2pm on the day!
If you multiply this number by any other number, the answer will always be the same. What number is this?
SHOP LOCAL THIS WEEKEND - FARMERS MARKET SOLWAY SHOWGROUNDS JUDDS ROAD MASTERTON
Come along to our Farmers Market & Crafts held EVERY Saturday Rain or Shine
BRING YOUR FAMILY AND FRIENDS ALONG FOR MORNING TEA AND COFFEE, AND HAVE A BROWSE AROUND OUR WONDERFUL MARKET
HOT OFF THE PRESS:
OUT AND ABOUT CATERING – Yammy will be at the market with her yummy chutneys, chilly range, Sauerkrauts, Relish, Pickles and Marmalades
DANIEL’S SPUDS are back at the market this week. Agria potatoes freshly dug this week.
WHAREMUKU ORCHARD is back this week also.
FRESH LOCAL VEGES also for sale
THE CLAREVILLE BAKERY is back this week with all our customer favourites.
And of course, there is always lots on offer: Hot Food, fresh Coffee, Fresh Vege stall, Yummy Honey, fresh bread to name just a few.
We have a fabulous array of creative gifts on display and available for purchase.
wooden toys, embroidered tea towels, olive oil, Crocheted toys, woollen items to mention just a few
We even have live music to get your toes tapping and we are always ready for a friendly chat. For a great day out or an early morning visit we have something for everyone.
We have a new Facebook page:
Wairarapa Farmers Market 2025 - have a look and view our newsletter for this week, or alternatively sign up to receive the newsletter into your inbox.
We also have a Eftpos terminal where you can access cash for your Farmers Market purchases. Come and have a look, I’m sure you will be pleasantly surprised.
Look forward to seeing you.
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