New wastewater system commissioned at Punakaiki Campground

Buller District Council (BDC) is pleased to announce that installation and commissioning of a new wastewater system at the Punakaiki Campground has now been completed.

The new Advanced Enviro-Septic system can cater for up to 400 users per day and is a reliable and effective secondary treatment option, with minimal operating costs.

The campground location presented several challenges, with little free space available to install the necessary equipment. However, an innovative design saw the system successfully installed under a designated car parking area.

Group Manager Infrastructure Services Anthony Blom says: “The system has been through the commissioning phase; discharge quality testing has been conducted, and the equipment is now fully functional. It is a welcome and much-needed improvement for the campground, which will allow it to flourish while being able to deal with wastewater discharges appropriately and responsibly.”

The total project cost was originally estimated at $790,000. The Tourism Infrastructure Fund provided half of the funding for the project, which was the result of an application made in January 2024. BDC’s share of the project costs was allocated from the Reserves Contribution Fund.

The project was delivered by Dwan and Andrews of Hokitika, on schedule and significantly under budget at an eventual total cost of $499,849.77, with the total BDC cost limited to just under $250,000.
The initial construction phase was completed in October 2024, with final commissioning and testing completed in May 2025.

-ENDS-

For further information please contact:
Community Engagement Team
Buller District Council
Media.Enquiries@bdc.govt.nz 

Disclaimer
The information in this media release was correct at time of publication. Changes in circumstances after the time of publication may impact on the accuracy of the information.