15 April 2026
26-OIAD-00878
Kevin Newlands
[FYI request #34376 email]
Tēnā koe Kevin
Thank you for your email of 5 April 2026 requesting the following under the Official Information
Act 1982 (the Act) of the Ministry for the Environment (the Ministry):
“This is a formal request for information under the Local Government Official Information
and Meetings Act (LGOIMA) regarding the wastewater pump station servicing the
Goodman Drive / Ledger Avenue / Ledger Park area in Motueka.
Background and Community Concern
This pump station is over 30 plus years old and services approximately 80% of Motueka.
Residents have experienced long-term issues including odour, contamination, and
potential health effects of the smell from the gas. There is increasing concern that the
system is no longer fit for purpose.
Population Growth Context
1996: 6,250 2024: 8,630 Increase: 2,380 people Projected (2024–2054): +1,670 people
Information Requested
1. Design and Capacity Original design capacity, intended population load, and current
utilisation levels.
2. Performance and Failures Full history of faults, overflows, discharge events, and
emergency responses.
3. Complaints and Community Reports All complaints received and actions taken by
council.
4. Environmental Monitoring Air quality (including hydrogen sulfide), soil, and water
testing data.
5. Public Health and Risk Health risk assessments and system failure risks.
6. Infrastructure Planning Maintenance history, upgrades, and future planning to 2054.
7. Financial Transparency Budget allocations and justification, including 9.9% rates
increase.
Infrastructure Relocation and Equity
Clarification on relocation or upgrades in other areas (e.g., Tudor Run / Staple Street),
prioritisation criteria, and why similar action has not occurred in Motueka.
Regulatory Compliance
Compliance with environmental consents, breaches, audits, and reporting.
Community Impact Statement
There is strong concern regarding long-term environmental exposure and declining
quality of life. The community seeks assurance that health and environmental wellbeing
are being prioritised.
Expectation
We request transparency and clear action plans to address infrastructure limitations,
protect health, and support future growth.”
PO Box 10362, Wellington 6143 | Freephone 0800 499 700 | environment.govt.nz
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As the Ministry does not hold the requested information, and Tasman District Council (the
Council) is best placed to respond to your request, in these circumstances, we are required by
section 14(b)(i) of the Act to transfer your request to the Council for response. You will hear
further from the Council concerning your request.
You have the right to seek an investigation and review by the Office of the Ombudsman of our
decisions relating to this request, in accordance with section 28(3) of the Act. The relevant
details can be found at:
www.ombudsman.parliament.nz. Nāku noa, nā
Lachlan Brown
Team Leader – Official Information and Proactive Release
Ministry for the Environment | Manatū Mō Te Taiao
PO Box 10362, Wellington 6143 | Freephone 0800 499 700 | environment.govt.nz
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