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NPDC replacing major water pipeline in Moturoa

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PUBLISHED: 28 JUL 2025
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A grand old lady of the New Plymouth water network is about to be retired after more than 100 years of service.

NPDC has started replacing the water main beneath Breakwater Road, with work due to be finished by Christmas (weather permitting).

The 1km cast iron pipeline, which was originally laid in 1912, is being replaced with a new polyethylene pipe.

“The old pipe has a history of leaks so replacing it with new materials means we’re future-proofing the water supply for this area,” says NPDC Project Delivery Manager Sean Cressy.

The work between Ngamotu Road and Whiteley Street has workers on-site from 7am to 6pm Mondays to Fridays. There may be some Saturday work as required.

To enable the work to be done safely, temporary traffic lights or stop/go traffic management, as well as a 30km/h speed limit, will be in place as the works progress along the road. On-road car parking will be affected from time to time.

Access to properties may be disrupted for short periods, which the contractor will do their best to minimise.

“Unfortunately, there’ll be some unavoidable disruption during such a big project but we’re working to reduce that as much as possible. I’d like to thank everyone for their patience and understanding in advance,” says Sean.

Once the pipe has been replaced, NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) will be able to complete a planned rebuild on this section of SH44 Breakwater Road.

NPDC and NZTA have been working together to co-ordinate the timing of work as the rebuild can’t be completed until the pipe is replaced. The rebuild will take place within the next two years.

Fast facts

  • NPDC is spending $248 million over the 10 years to 2031 to fix the district’s plumbing.
  • The district has 800km of water pipes, which are maintained by NPDC.

Caption: Traffic management will be in place on Breakwater Road until the end of the year while a 1km-long water main is replaced.

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Page last updated: 12:27pm Mon 28 July 2025

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