The annual East Clive wastewater treatment plant open day is coming up – a chance to get a behind-the-scenes tour of the plant and how it works.
On Saturday, 16 November, from 10am to 3pm, people will have the opportunity to discover the process by which about 46 million litres of domestic and industrial wastewater is treated and discharged every day.
Built in 2008/09, the plant was a first of its kind in New Zealand, incorporating mātauranga Māori into wastewater treatment using a trickling filter process that does not produce any ‘sludge’ to dispose of to landfill.
At the open day, visitors will get an in-depth understanding of the treatment process from the way the biology and good bugs work to the mechanical components like the screens and pumps.
This unique plant has been recognised both nationally and internationally for not only introducing this technical solution, but also for the co-design approach to incorporating the cultural and spiritual aspirations of tangata whenua.
Through the Hastings District Council: Tangata Whenua Wastewater Joint Committee, formed in late 2001, tangata whenua were part of the decision-making around the plant’s design.
One of the unique features to come of that was the installation of the Rakahore Channel where specifically selected and blessed rocks were installed in order to restore the mauri (life force) of the treated wastewater. Treated wastewater flows over through the Rakahore channel to provide spiritual cleansing and reconnection with papatuanuku, before it is discharged 2.7km into the ocean.
Registrations are required to take part in the tour – go to the Hastings District Council website https://www.hastingsdc.govt.nz/services/water/sewerage/treatment-plant/open-day/ or check on the Council Facebook page to find out more.
