Newtown wastewater improvements
Parts of the wastewater network are more than 100 years old and are no longer operating effectively. Recent CCTV inspections highlighted sections which are in very poor condition.
If you have any questions about this work, please contact:
Tiaki Wai, 0800 TIAKI WAI (0800 842 549)
Latest Updates
The main wastewater pipe that runs along Owen St, from Harper St to the Constable Rd intersection is being replaced, and the lateral pipes that branch off from the main pipe and connect to individual properties will also be replaced to the edge of property boundaries.
The first section of work to begin is in Cardall Street, all going well, the work will be finished in October.
Newtown is one of Wellington’s oldest suburbs, dating back to the city’s early residential developments of the 1840s. Parts of the wastewater network are more than 100 years old and are no longer operating effectively. Recent CCTV inspections highlighted sections which are in very poor condition.
Before July 2027, we’ll replace 3,100 metres of wastewater pipes and renew approximately 130 manholes and lamp holes (inspection points).
Due to the size and complexity of these works, the programme has been split into three separate portions.
Most of the pipe will be renewed using trenchless relining methods. However, trenching will be required in some areas.
Portion 1 involves renewing five sections of pipe along parts of the following streets:
- Owen Street
- Rintoul Street
- The intersection of Constable Street and Owen Street
- Harper Street
- Cardall Street
Expected construction dates – August 2026 to February 2027
Portion 1 construction areas
Portion 2 involves renewing sections of pipe along parts of the following streets:
- Russell Terrace
- Mansfield Street
- Wilson Street
- Mein Street
- Hospital Road
Expected construction dates – January to June 2027
Portion 3 involves renewing 18 sections of pipe along parts of the following streets:
- Blucher Avenue and Coromandel St
- Hall Avenue, Colombo Street and Riddiford Street
- Hospital Road and Riddiford Street
- Riddiford Street and Kerwyn Terrace
- Rintoul Street and Kerwyn Terrace
- Emmett Street
- Wilson Street and Constable Street
- Constable Street and Owen Street
- Owen Street and Hiropi Street
- Harper Street and Cardall Street
- Coromandel Street and Colville Street
- Wingate Terrace and Daniell Street
- Antico Street
- Colombo Street
- Manley Terrace and Adelaide Road
- Melrose Crescent
- Riddiford Street
- Sutherland Crescent
Expected construction dates – February to June 2027
All Updates
The main wastewater pipe that runs along Owen St, from Harper St to the Constable Rd intersection is being replaced, and the lateral pipes that branch off from the main pipe and connect to individual properties will also be replaced to the edge of property boundaries.
The work will be split into four stages, and we’re planning to have it completed by November 23.
Stage 1
22 September to 16 October 2026
Harper/Owen St the intersection to 91 Owen St (marked in red). The road will be closed between Harper and Regent St on 6 October 2026 only between 9am and 3pm.
Stage 2
7 October to 30 October 2026
Owen St to intersection of Cardall/ Owen St (marked in blue)
Stage 3
21 October to 13 November 2026
From the intersection of Cardall/ Owen St to numbers 79 and 77 Owen St (marked in green)
Stage 4
5 November to 23 November 2026
From outside number 77 and 79 Owen St to the Constable St intersection (marked in orange).
The section of Owen St highlighted in the map above will be closed to through traffic at all times from 22 September to 19 October. In stages 3 and 4, Owen St will be closed during the day only and one lane will be open to traffic outside working hours. Residents will be able to access their properties at all times. Crews will be onsite from 7am to 6pm, Monday to Friday.
To help keep everyone safe and minimise disruption, traffic management will be in place around the work site.
The first section of work to begin is in Cardall Street. The main stages of work involve:
- CCTVing pipes.
- Installing inspection points.
- Renewing wastewater pipe.
- Replacing two manholes.
- Relining laterals (connecting pipe to properties).
- Reinstating the road and footpath.
Traffic management will be in place to keep everyone safe and guide traffic around the work site. One lane of the street will be closed, and parking will be restricted near the worksite.
All going well, the work on Cardall Street will be finished in October.
