New Whakatāne Pump Station Up and Running

A major upgrade to stormwater infrastructure in Whakatāne is now complete, with a new pump station already proving its effectiveness during recent heavy rain.

The Henderson Street stormwater pump station was tested during last week’s storm event, where it operated successfully under pressure, marking a key milestone for flood protection in the area.

Whakatāne District Council said the new pump replaces the ageing Hinemoa Street facility and has been constructed on a larger site behind James Street School to better handle the size of its catchment.

“The original Hinemoa Street pump station was no longer large enough to manage the substantial catchment it serves,” said the council.

“The new Henderson Street station provides significantly greater capacity and resilience, offering strong protection even during rainfall events equivalent to a one-in-fifty-year storm.”

It also meets modern stormwater standards aimed at improving resilience and environmental outcomes.

Project manager Aimee Thumath said seeing the system perform during a real storm was an encouraging result for the team.

“This project is about making sure our stormwater system can do its job when it really matters,” she said.

“Seeing the new Henderson Street pump station perform so well during a significant rain event gives us confidence that it will provide reliable protection for years to come.”

Stormwater entering the debris screen and inlet to pump station, before it is released into the Whakatāne River. Image // Whakatāne District Council

The council said the project also included upgrades to underground pipe networks along Armstrong Avenue and Henderson Street, allowing stormwater to move more efficiently before being discharged into the Whakatāne River.

Work involved excavating through the stopbank and installing three large pipes to carry water from the pump station to the river. The project was funded through the council’s annual plan at a cost of $6.8 million.

The old Hinemoa Street pump station is set to be decommissioned during the July school holidays.

The council said it will also begin work on creating an additional stormwater channel in the reserve at the corner of Hinemoa Street and Victoria Avenue.

“This new channel will help offset the new pump station while also enhancing ecological habitat within the reserve,” said the council.