Dittmer Drive stormwater pump station upgrade

A worker in safety gear standing at the bottom of a large hole, clegg hammer testing.

Palmerston North City Council is constructing a new stormwater pump station on Dittmer Drive to improve the area’s resilience to heavy rainfall and high river levels.

This upgrade will strengthen flood protection for surrounding neighbourhoods and ensure stormwater can continue to drain effectively, even when the Manawatū River is elevated.

The project delivers a major upgrade to local stormwater capacity

We are building one of Palmerston North’s largest stormwater pump stations. The new facility is designed to manage flows of up to 900 litres per second — close to one tonne of water every second. Two high-capacity pumps, each capable of moving 450 litres per second, will be installed to support the system.

Construction work includes excavation down to 4.5 metres and installation of a new 750mm diameter pipeline connecting to an existing manhole inside the stopbank. This will enable stormwater to safely discharge into the Manawatū River.

The upgraded capacity will enhance drainage for Dittmer Drive, Whikiriwhi Crescent, Pitama Road and nearby streets.

The upgrade provides better protection during high river conditions

When the Manawatū River rises during storms, it becomes harder for nearby suburbs to naturally drain stormwater into waterways. This increases the risk of surface flooding.

The new pump station will keep stormwater moving through the network even when river levels are high. This improves the reliability of the system, reduces local flooding risk, and supports long-term resilience as rainfall patterns continue to change.

Construction is underway and will be completed in mid-2026

Construction began in December 2025 and is expected to finish by mid-2026. Max Tarr is leading the project. Residents and river pathway users may notice increased activity, machinery and temporary traffic management in the area as work progresses.

Location

Dittmer Drive, Awapuni 4412  View Map

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