Unitec wastewater diversion project

Project overview

Watercare is installing a new wastewater connection at 125 Carrington Road and in the Oakley Creek Reserve, Mt Albert, near the Unitec Mt Albert Campus.

This work involves:

• Excavating for a connection to the Ōrākei Main Sewer (OMS).

• Constructing a satellite manhole and associated connecting pipe.

• Installing a section of 600mm diameter wastewater pipe using trenchless methods from the top of the embankment above the proposed trunk sewer connection beside Oakley Creek.

Why this project matters

The upgrade will help reduce wastewater overflows from the Carrington branch sewer and the OMS into Oakley Creek, while supporting the future development of the Unitec Precinct.

Supporting growth

The Unitec Carrington Road campus area is expected to undergo significant redevelopment, with around 4,000 new dwellings planned. This new infrastructure will ensure the network can handle increased demand and protect the local environment.

Timeline

Construction started in early 2026 and is estimated to be finished by mid-2026.

Important project update – regarding the closure of a section of the Oakley Creek walkway

From Monday, 23 March 2026, a section of the Oakley Creek walkway will be closed for approximately three and a half months.

The closure affects the east-side pathway, closest to the Unitec site.

The west-side walkway, closest to Great North Road, will remain open, and access to the Oakley Creek waterfall will still be available.

The approximate area of the closure is shown below:

We are required to close this section of the walkway because our construction work will temporarily encroach on part of the Oakley Creek path.

We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause and appreciate your patience while we complete this important mahi.

General construction update

Our construction works are progressing well, and we have now completed our site establishment activities.

We are currently constructing a large drop shaft, which will enable us to undertake horizontal directional drilling and install the new wastewater pipeline into the Ōrākei Main Sewer.

Please refer to the map below showing the extent of the works

Click to view the full-sized map here

How will this affect you?

• Working hours – will be between 7am to 6pm Monday to Saturday. Saturday work will only be utilised if required.
• Access to Oakley Creek and the waterfall from the Unitec Campus – will remain open during these works.
• Access to the Oakley Creek walkway south of the upper bridge – will be closed for periods during the work as mentioned in the update above.

• Construction works – will create noise, vibration, and dust. We will endeavour to keep disruption to a minimum and will be working in accordance with the levels under the Auckland Unitary Plan.