4040 (2026). Lan Pham to the Minister of Local Government
Written Question
Published date: 27 Feb 2026
4040 (2026). Lan Pham to the Minister of Local Government: What correspondence, if any, has the Minister received from Taumata Arowai in regard to the Moa Point wastewater treatment plant failure, which commenced 04/02/26, and the subsequent ongoing discharge of untreated sewage?
Hon Simon Watts: The Water Services Authority—Taumata Arowai has kept the Minister informed of the Moa Point wastewater treatment plant failure through weekly updates and correspondence on a ‘no-surprises’ basis.
Regional authorities are responsible for the monitoring and enforcement of compliance with wastewater discharge consents. Consistent with its system oversight role for wastewater services, the Authority is monitoring the response of the responsible agencies seeking assurance that the relevant agencies are taking appropriate action and to assess implications or lessons of relevance to the performance of other wastewater services in New Zealand.