By the Explore Hastings news desk · Published Thursday 12 November 2026
Hastings District Council is opening its East Clive wastewater treatment plant to visitors from 10am to 1pm on Saturday 14 November, with free tours and a look at a $23 million upgrade now under way.
- When
- Saturday 14 November, 10am to 1pm; arrive any time
- Where
- 284 Richmond Road, East Clive
- Cost
- Free; register first on the council's open day page
You don’t have to arrive at 10am or stay the whole time: the tour takes around 20 minutes, there is plenty of parking on site, and children are welcome, with an activity sheet for them. The council suggests bringing a hat and sunscreen, as it can get hot out there.
What you’ll see
The plant handles about 46 million litres of wastewater a day, roughly three-quarters of it from homes and the rest from industry, the council says in its open day announcement.
From urban Hastings, it is a three- to five-hour trip through the pipes to the plant. The treatment itself is quick, at about 40 minutes, and the cleaned water then goes out to sea through an outfall pipe that reaches 2.75 kilometres into Hawke Bay.
Visitors follow that process through the plant, from the naturally occurring bugs that break the waste down to the pumps, screens and other equipment. There is also a video on how the bugs work and samples of treated wastewater to look at.
Built in 2008/09, the plant was the first of its kind in New Zealand. Tangata whenua helped shape its design through a joint committee with the council, and one result is the Rakahore Channel: before discharge, the treated water passes over rocks chosen and blessed for the purpose, a step to restore its mauri (life force).
The $23 million upgrade
This year’s open day is also a chance to learn about a two-year upgrade that started in June. The work includes a second permanent pump station for the outfall, new pumps and pipework to replace worn ones, and new electrical and control systems.
Council three waters manager Steve Cave explained why the outfall pumps are being replaced. “The existing outfall pump station has been operating for nearly 50 years and is becoming increasingly difficult to maintain,” he said.
To go, fill in the registration form on the council’s open day page; one form covers your whole group. If you want to make a day of it in the area, see our guide to Clive.
Explore Hastings news desk: news@explorehastings.co.nz. Spotted something wrong? Tell us and we’ll correct it.
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