Overflow issue is being addressed!
Kākā, Tony Stoddard, wildbirds.nzWhat’s going on at Ōtari, you ask? It’s great news, is what. Work has started on a project to upgrade the wastewater pipe by the Northern Carpark. This is sorely needed. Currently a section of the pipe under Churchill Drive, at the intersection with Blackbridge Road, is too narrow to handle heavy flows. For some years wastewater has overflowed into the stormwater system during heavy rain, affecting the Kaiwharawhara Stream and Otari-Wilton’s Bush. Wellington Water contractors are on site this week undertaking geotechnical investigations to prepare for construction of the new pipe. Ōtari Manager, Tim Park, is delighted that work is underway to resolve this longstanding issue and asks that people give the contractors space to complete their work. Crews, with noisy drilling and excavation equipment, will be working at sites around Churchill Drive and the Northern Carpark. While the car park remains open, traffic management will be in place to keep contracting crews and road users safe.
Following the investigative work during March, Wellington Water hope to embark on construction work later this year. This will have a greater impact on the Northern Carpark. We will keep everyone updated as this happens.
Posted: 4 March 2026