IAF – stormwater and wastewater enabling infrastructure
The Infrastructure Acceleration Fund (IAF) is a funding initiative to help unlock development opportunities and enable more homes to be built.
In Lower Hutt, this project is enabling major water infrastructure upgrades including pipelines, pumping stations, and storage tanks to support future housing.
Benefits
This project is crucial for Lower Hutt’s future. Here’s how it will help:
- More homes for our growing city – this infrastructure will pave the way for more than 3,500 new homes, including higher-density and more affordable housing options.
- Better infrastructure – an added benefit of upgrading our stormwater and wastewater systems is that it will help prevent flooding and improve overall reliability.
- Future-proofing our city – these improvements will support the city’s long-term growth and ensure our infrastructure keeps up with demand.
Project design
We’ve followed a robust assessment process to systematically evaluate potential options. This process includes input from key stakeholders and technical experts through a series of collaborative workshops. Options were assessed against essential criteria, eliminating those that did not meet project objectives. This has led to the selection of a preferred option.
The proposed route includes some areas of Kings Crescent and Pretoria Street, connecting to Te Awa Kairangi and the Western Hills sewer main.
You can find more detailed information about the different concept designs, including technical reports and multi-criteria analysis of the options considered, here.
The project is now in the design and consenting phase, with resource consent planned for mid-2026 and construction expected to begin in mid 2027, subject to approvals.
Project update – May 2026
The Infrastructure Acceleration Fund (IAF) project is moving into the next phase, with planning, detailed design, and consenting work now underway.
We are preparing a resource consent application, which we expect to lodge in mid-2026. This is an important step to confirm how the infrastructure will be built and how any effects will be managed.
At the same time, we are:
- progressing detailed design of the pipeline, shafts, and supporting infrastructure
- continuing discussions with affected property owners
- working with businesses along the route to understand impacts and plan mitigation
- coordinating with other projects in central Lower Hutt to manage disruption
We are engaging early with those most affected so we can identify issues and refine how construction impacts are managed, including access, traffic, and parking.
What happens next
- Mid-2026: Resource consent lodged
- Mid to late 2026: Consent process and further design development
- Mid 2027 (subject to approvals): Construction begins
We will continue to update this page as the project progresses.
What this means for you
We know there is already a high level of activity in central Lower Hutt. We are working closely with other teams and partners to plan ahead and reduce disruption where possible.
Before construction begins, you may notice:
- engagement with property owners and businesses along the route
- We will provide clear information ahead of any works that may affect access, parking, or travel.
Timeline
| Current | Pre-implementation phase |
|---|---|
Now to mid 2026 | Design development and preparation of resource consent application |
Mid 2026 | Resource consent lodged |
Mid to late 2026 | Resource consent process and final design |
| Mid 2027 | Construction expected to begin (subject to approvals) |
For more information
- If you have any further questions, you can reach the project team at IAF@huttcity.govt.nz