In light of some selective reporting and a negative spin in today's local media, One Mahurangi Business Association want to ensure the facts about the Watercare Warkworth Wastewater project are clear.

At this morning's Watercare Board meeting in Auckland, a significant win was achieved for Warkworth businesses and residents. Watercare has endorsed a trenchless construction method called micro tunnelling for the upcoming pipeline project. This approach will:

• Avoid disruptive open trenching through our main street, from Lucy Moore Park, Baxter Street and Queen Street
• Minimise road closures and traffic diversions
• Protect foot traffic, parking, and business certainty over the next few years

Instead of a lengthy and invasive process, this method involves creating smaller pits in key locations and micro-tunnelling, reducing the overall impact on our community while still ensuring the project progresses efficiently.

Additionally, the pipeline depth will be lowered to bypass existing services, and the Lucy Moore pump station will undergo much-needed upgrades. These changes reflect Watercare’s commitment to working smarter and collaboratively with our community.

Elizabeth Street: Open trenching is still needed on Elizabeth Street due to the shallow depth of the pipe. However, Watercare are committed to minimal disruption to businesses and are looking at working only at nights and covering the open trenches during the day to allow parking and foot traffic. Watercare are collaborating with One Mahurangi to minimise the impact of trench work on Elizabeth St businesses.

One Mahurangi is proud to have advocated for a solution that balances the needs of essential infrastructure with the vitality of Warkworth's businesses and daily life.

Let’s focus on the positive progress being made and continue working together for the best outcomes for our community.

- Murray Chapman, One Mahurangi Manager

- Dave Stott & Bevan Morrison, One Mahurangi Co-Chairs