A $3.6 million investment ensures the long-term water supply for Manapōuri
Southland District Council
27 June 2025, 3:33 AM
Southland Mayor Rob Scott, centre, is joined by, from left, Cr Sarah Greaney, chief executive Cameron McIntosh, group manager infrastructure and delivery Fran Mikulicic, Fiordland Community Board member Nick Robertson, Cr Christine Menzies, community board. Photo: Southland District CouncilFollowing a $3.6 million investment by Southland District Council, the water supply in Manapōuri has been secured for the future.
Southland Mayor Rob Scott was joined by Council chief executive Cameron McIntosh, councillors, Fiordland Community Board members and contractor Fulton Hogan on site for the official opening of the new Manapōuri Water Treatment Plant today.
Mayor Scott said the plant reinforced Council’s decision to opt for the adjusted status quo model in Local Water Done Well was the right option, ensuring it retained full responsibility and control for water services while adapting to legislative changes and evolving Southland communities.
“It is always a proud moment when projects of this calibre come to fruition. This showcases we are very capable of delivering infrastructure and water services to Southlanders,” he said.
Mayor Rob Scott at the opening of the new Manapōuri water treatment plant today. Photo: Southland District Council
“The ability of the locals to have direct input into what’s happening in their own backyard and working in collaboration with Council is incredibly important and we’ve proven in the Fiordland area through projects like this it is a priority for us.
“While managed by Council, these assets are owned by the communities they serve and, together with the Fiordland Community Board, the residents of Manapōuri should be proud of what’s been achieved. We are building for the future.”
Lead contractor Fulton Hogan, together with Murray Wallace Electrical, started construction of the upgraded asset last year, with the plant commissioned as fully operational in March. It replaces the previous one built in 1969, which was approaching end of life, including the steel water tower.
The new plant features filtration and pH correction to ensure compliance with the latest drinking water legislation. Firefighting capacity has been improved with larger pumps and a generator for backup power.
Space has been set aside to accommodate town growth and further water quality enhancements if required in the future.