Have your say on the future of wastewater in Palmerston North
Published on 29 April 2026
Two options for how Palmerston North should treat and discharge its wastewater for the next 35 years are now out for public feedback.
Feedback on Nature Calls runs until 4pm, Sunday 31 May.
Palmerston North’s wastewater is currently treated at the Tōtara Road treatment plant before being discharged into the Manawatū River. The consent for this expires in the coming years, meaning we need a new approach for the decades ahead.
Our Nature Calls project has been underway for several years. In 2021, a preferred option involving highly treated wastewater being discharged to both land and river was selected, and a consent application was lodged in 2022. Last year the estimated cost had risen to more than $640 million, and feedback during the long-term plan showed this was not affordable for our community.
As a result, elected members set a revised budget of $480 million (plus inflation) and asked staff to investigate alternative options.
Two options are now being presented for feedback. Both involve upgrading the wastewater treatment plant to a much higher standard, but differ in how treated wastewater is discharged into the Manawatū River. These options have also been assessed against new national wastewater standards introduced late last year.
Option 1 would keep the discharge at or near Tōtara Road, with significantly improved treatment before discharge. This option has an estimated cost of $292 million, plus adaptive management over time.
Option 2 would use two discharge locations depending on river flow conditions at Tōtara Road during higher flows and further downstream near Ōpiki during lower flows. This option has an estimated cost of $370 million, plus adaptive management.
Both options include adaptive management, which would allow the system to be improved over time as technology advances and environmental expectations change, rather than locking in a single fixed solution for 35 years.
Mayor Grant Smith says it’s one of the most significant infrastructure decisions facing the city.
“Nature Calls will shape how we manage wastewater for generations. It’s important the option we choose is affordable for our community, and meets new wastewater standards. Both proposed options do that. Having a dedicated investment in adaptive management is also a signal that we care about the long-term health of the Manawatū River and this will help see technological improvements and re-use of the highly treated wastewater so it doesn’t all go into the river.
"We want to understand what you think about these two options so your feedback can help us decide which option we take forward.”
Although national reforms to water services are underway, including the establishment of Central Districts Water from July 2027, Council must continue progressing Nature Calls to meet its legal obligations. Residents downstream of the Manawatū River, as well as those in Horowhenua and Rangitīkei, are also encouraged to provide feedback, as Central Districts Water is expected to take over delivery of the project in the future.
Come to a drop-in session
Council staff will be available at the following drop-in sessions during the feedback period to answer any questions about Nature Calls:
- Shannon Memorial Hall – Monday 11 May, 4.30pm to 5.30pm
- Foxton – Te Awahou Nieuwe Stroom – Monday 18 May, 4.30pm to 5.30pm
- Palmerston North City Council Customer Service Centre – Friday 22 May, midday to 1pm
- Palmerston North Central Library – Saturday 23 May, 10am to 11am
Residents can read about the options and give feedback online at: pncc.govt.nz/naturecalls. Material and feedback forms are also available at our libraries and Customer Service Centre. Feedback closes 31 May.