Waiaroha water treatment and storage project

We are excited to be working on the new Waiaroha water treatment and storage project for Hastings District Council – creating a vibrant urban asset representing far more than just a piece of infrastructure.

Reliant Solutions has been commissioned to design and build a storage solution to future-proof Hastings’ drinking water supply, ensuring safe drinking water for local residents. Alongside the tanks, there is a treatment facility and education centre. Designed by Council and its Māori partners, the facilities are set in landscaping that reflects the journey of water from the mountains to the sea.

Developing a high quality, architectural outcome for the reservoirs that integrates with the look and feel of Hastings’ city centre was a critical factor for Council.

It has a focus on creating a strong vibrant, compact and resilient city centre with a strong sense of place. Landmarks and architectural elements are central to this sense of space, strong influence and identify.

The water storage facilities are more than just infrastructure projects, they demonstrate Council’s investment in the wellbeing of the community, its commitment to enhancing the character and vibrancy of Hastings, and belief that Council can deliver landmark, legacy projects.

Integrating the reservoirs into the city context involved our Reliant team working alongside Council to explore the viability of adding various architectural features to the tanks, such as vertical fins, horizontal wrapping, lighting and/or colour.

The dark-coloured tanks are wrapped with a vertical fin design that reflects
the mighty flows of the district’s Tukituki, Ngāruroro, Clive and Tutaekuri rivers.

In addition, Council is adding digital screens, story boards and artwork to tell the story of water.

Hastings District Council is developing Waiaroha as a place where the community can develop a full understanding of the water ecosystem, from the mountains to the west, along streams and rivers, through aquifers and wetlands, to taps, and out to the ocean.

It will highlight how this valuable natural resource is delivered to the community, including allocation, extraction, treatment and delivery of drinking water to residents’ taps.

It will be an indoor and outdoor facility that will help people learn about all facets of water, as the community plans for its protection now and for the generations to come.