Reservoir Boosts Supply and Security
Strategically located to serve dual purposes, the new Turners Road Reservoir bolsters the town’s water supply while providing a crucial safety buffer for firefighting operations in one of the district’s fastest-developing areas, Kawakawa Industrial Precinct.
The 2-million-litre reservoir has been constructed with precision engineering and modern techniques to ensure long-term strength, durability, and reliability. The base features a 200-millimetre-thick single poured concrete slab, reinforced with a network of lattice steel strands. As the concrete cured, these strands were post-tensioned multiple times to prevent cracking and ensure structural integrity.
The structure’s walls, composed of 300-millimetre-thick prefabricated concrete panels, were manufactured by Concrete Structures NZ Ltd, one of New Zealand’s leading precast specialists. Measuring 5.5m high, 21.5m deep, and 24.4m wide, the reservoir stands as a testament to high-quality construction and reliable engineering.
While the reservoir’s exterior might appear simply as a large concrete box to those driving by, its interior tells a far more intricate story. A cross-section design featured on the exterior signage reveals the complexity hidden within, showcasing the engineering features, reinforcing systems, and precision design that make the structure both robust and watertight. The signage helps the community appreciate the technical achievement behind what appears, on the surface, to be a modest structure.
“This project represents a vital investment in our community’s future,” said Michael Taylor, MDC’s Utilities Delivery Manager. “It not only secures our town’s water needs but also provides essential protection for our expanding industrial sector.”
The new reservoir will be fully operational early 2026, ready to support Feilding’s continued growth delivering water security and safety for decades to come.
Find out more about the Turners Road Reservoir | Manawatū District Council
Caption: Turners Road Reservoir in progress. Photo taken July 2025.
Caption: Turners Road Reservoir nearing completion. Photo taken October 2025.
Caption: The Turners Road Reservoir sign reveals the complexity hidden within.
Caption: A detailed view of the sign illustrating the reservoir’s cross-section.