Untreated, unscreened wastewater has been discharged into Tarakena Bay. Check LAWA.org.nz before visiting beaches.

Due to heavy rainfall, the short outfall has discharged untreated, unscreened wastewater into Tarakena Bay between 11.59 am and 12:38 pm on 8 July 2026. This discharge is currently ongoing and will likely be travelling around the coastline. 

Check LAWA before visiting beaches along the south coast.  

Public health information can be found on Health NZ's website

Wellington City Councils property search function is offline

Wellington City Councils property search function is offline for the next 2 to 3 weeks following the end of the last rating year. For rates and valuation information please contact the council via 04 499 444 or emailing rates@wcc.govt.nz

In this section
Water Networks / The Network / Wastewater / Wastewater Treatment Plants / Featherston Wastewater Treatment Plant

Featherston Wastewater Treatment Plant

At the Featherston Wastewater Treatment plant, sewage flows through a facultative pond, a maturation pond, and ultraviolet treatment. Discharge of the treated effluent is managed to Donald’s Creek depending on the conditions of the Resource Consents.

The plant was granted new consents on 25 August 2009 with a variation granted on 12 November 2010. These consents expired on 25 August 2012. The plant is currently operating under this expired consent. An application for new consents is on-going.

In general, the consent allows SWDC:

  • to discharge treated wastewater to Donald’s creek at up to 9,000 cubic meters per day in dry weather and up to 12,000 cubic meters per day in wet weather.
  • to discharge odours and other contaminants from the treatment process within the boundary.

Plant performance


Current Status:
 Compliant

Period: March 2026

 


Commentary:

The Resource Consent was granted by Greater Wellington Regional Council on the 8 October 2025. 

The upgrade project will be managed by SWDC, with operations still being undertaken by Wellington Water until the transition date.

Items of significance:

With effect 01 July 2025, SWDC took back ownership of the Capital Delivery Programme and associated projects .

Read all the Featherston wastewater treatment plant performance monthly reports