Stanway-Halcombe Reservoir Opens Strengthening Water Security
Manawatū District Council has officially commissioned the new Stanway-Halcombe Reservoir, a major infrastructure milestone that enhances the area’s resilience and reliability of water supply.
The 4,000m³ storage reservoir is now fully operational, providing essential water security for residents and supporting the integrity of the wider Stanway-Halcombe water scheme. The moment was marked by the symbolic ‘turning of the tap,’ a gesture that carried the weight of years of engineering efforts and perseverance.
The new 4,000m³ reservoir brings a vital upgrade to the area’s infrastructure, offering a more secure and dependable supply of safe drinking water. The project has been a beacon of resilience following the devastating impact of Cyclone Gabrielle in February 2023, which caused extensive damage to the raw water source and intake point of the area’s water infrastructure.
In the aftermath of the cyclone, approximately 100 metres of riverbank were lost near the water intake point on the Rangitīkei River, putting the water supply system at risk.
Council has since invested in critical upgrades including the installation of water treatment plant that contains a UV filtration system, along with construction of a stabilising rock wall at the riverbed to safeguard the intake.
“This reservoir marks a practical and necessary step forward in ensuring our water supply remains safe, stable, and resilient.” Hamish Waugh, GM Infrastructure explains. “In the wake of Cyclone Gabrielle, it became clear that strategic action was needed. These upgrades, including the new reservoir, are a direct response to those vulnerabilities and part of our wider commitment to infrastructure resilience across the district.”
The new reservoir completes the package of upgrades, offering improved storage capacity and operational reliability—particularly during periods of high demand or disruption. It represents a key investment in safeguarding essential services for the long term.
Council would like to thank the Karatea and Bartlett whānau for their support of these upgrade projects.
Stanway-Halcombe Reservoir is 4,000m³ and completes the package of upgrades, offering improved storage capacity and operational reliability—particularly during periods of high demand or disruption.