South Wairarapa District Council’s Infrastructure Committee met on Thursday 18 June, with a strong focus on water reform transition, roading resilience, and delivery of key infrastructure projects across the district.

Our Infrastructure Committee provides governance oversight and monitoring of Council’s operational functions and capital programmes for roading, the water network, waste management and minimisation, public amenities and Council properties.

Committee meetings are an opportunity for elected members to ask questions and gain a deeper understanding of the operational and capital work programmes that benefit South Wairarapa.

All of our Council and Committee meetings are livestreamed on YouTube and are open to the public. We know not everyone can tune in, so here’s a quick summary of some of the key matters discussed.

Waitī Waters transition gathering pace

Councillors received an update on the establishment of Waitī Waters, the new regional water services entity which will take over the delivery of water services in mid-2027.

Governance arrangements are now in place, with a board appointed and the first stage of the programme completed. Attention has now turned to the next phase, which includes recruiting a Chief Executive, confirming office accommodation, and the procurement of technology and digital systems.

Roading and resilience in focus

Councillors discussed the future of Cape Palliser Road, including funding challenges once current 100% funding support from the New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA) ends in June 2027.

A business case has been submitted to NZTA seeking a hybrid funding model, recognising the road’s unique role at connecting communities, its national significance, and the risks from coastal erosion, storms and landslips.

The proposed approach would target higher levels of funding to the most vulnerable sections, helping ensure the road remains safe and accessible while balancing affordability for ratepayers.

The committee also heard that the Cape Palliser paper road access bylaw is working well overall, although vandalism of infrastructure, including access gates, remains an issue.

Read more about the funding business case here: Council submits funding request to safeguard future of South Wairarapa’s fragile but significant Cape Palliser Road – SWDC

Progress on infrastructure projects

Highlights from our roading team

• Emergency works from the February 2026 storm events are making progress on repairs to infrastructure that was damaged.
• The annual resealing programme is complete, covering more than 19km of roads.
• Ongoing bridge strength assessments and planning work remains a priority.
• The extension of the EcoReef at Whatarangi on Cape Palliser Road is underway.
• Implementation of new speeds under the speed management plan is complete.

Highlights from our water team

• Wastewater treatment plant upgrade tenders are soon to be awarded.
• Continued progress is being made on the transition away from Wellington Water.
• The Waiohine Water Treatment Plant pH dosing project is nearing completion.
• The Featherston Watermain Renewal project is almost complete.

Community facilities and operations highlights

• Greytown Town Centre and Library building re-piling works are almost complete.
• Carkeek Observatory phase one is wrapping up, with next steps to be determined alongside the stakeholder group. Find more info here.
• Conversations are underway with the Tora community including iwi leaders regarding the long-term vision for restorative planting.
• The parks and open spaces tender, to look after maintenance of our green spaces, is under evaluation.

Find out more about Community Operations projects here – Community Operations – projects – SWDC

Where to find more information

Find out what else was discussed.

See the full meeting agenda:  https://swdc.govt.nz/meeting/infrastructure-committee-18-june-2026/

Watch the meeting recording on YouTube: Infrastructure Committee – 18 June 2026