Queenstown Mayor Advocates for Pumping Treated Wastewater into Kawarau River

Queenstown Mayor John Glover has proposed pumping treated wastewater into the Kawarau River as the most viable solution for wastewater management, with the Queenstown Lakes District Council applying for a 35-year resource consent for the discharge. The $77.5 million plan involves advanced filtration and a 1.4 km pipeline, although it has faced opposition from Ngāi Tahu. The council will also explore land-based discharge options, despite challenges related to high land costs, while environmental impacts will be assessed during the consent process.

Published Mar 20, 2026

Queenstown's mayor John Glover stated that the only realistic option for wastewater management is pumping treated wastewater into the Kawarau River. The Queenstown Lakes District council agreed to apply for a 35-year resource consent for discharge from the Shotover Wastewater Treatment Plant.

AI-curated by Theia

The proposed $77.5 million plan includes installing advanced filters and a 1.4 km pipeline to the Kawarau. This decision has faced opposition from Ngāi Tahu. The council will continue exploring land-based discharge solutions, though Glover noted the challenges due to high land costs. Environmental impacts will be assessed during the consent process.