Construction is set to start on a vital piece of water infrastructure to enable more homes in the central city of Hamilton Kirikiriroa, New Zealand’s fastest growing city. The new 25-million-litre Central City Reservoir at Hamilton Lake Domain will strengthen drinking water supply and increase storage for residents, businesses, and emergency services to meet the thirst of growth.
Following years of planning, technical investigations, and community feedback led by Hamilton City Council, IAWAI is now delivering the construction of this major milestone.
IAWAI marked the start of works on the new Central City Reservoir at Hamilton Lake Domain site today, with a sod turning and blessing ceremony (28 September 2026).
The reservoir, which includes a pump station on Clarence Street, is one of a range of drinking water and wastewater projects, all fully funded by a Crown grant of $150.6 million through the Infrastructure Acceleration Fund (IAF).
Alongside supporting housing growth, the IAF investment positions the central city and its walkable catchment as an attractive location for further development including commercial, retail and office space, as well as hotels and other private investment opportunities.
The IAF is helping us invest in the essential infrastructure Hamilton needs, supporting upgrades to ageing water assets and helping build a more resilient city for future generations, said IAWAI Chief Executive Peter Winder.
“The current reservoir is nearly 100 years old. It’s done a great job over the years, but we need more water storage to keep pace with predicted growth. This investment will help make sure everyone continues to receive safe, reliable drinking water."
“We’re looking forward to building the reservoir with the New Zealand Government to give residents, businesses and services continued confidence in its water supply and be a part of delivering on Council’s long-term direction to transform the central city,” said Winder.
Hamilton City Councillor and Chair of the City Infrastructure Committee Maria Hauta emphasised the importance of this infrastructure as part of the foundations for a growing city.
“This is a once-in-a-generation investment that supports more people to live, work and invest in the central city.
"It is fantastic to see IAWAI leading the delivery of this important piece of infrastructure and turning years of Council planning into a project that will help us grow up and out from the economic heart of Kirikiriroa.”
In 2022, Council secured IAF funding through central government to enable more housing. Extensive technical investigations and community engagement helped Council and now IAWAI progress the planning and design of the reservoir and booster pump station to this construction milestone.
From 1 July 2026, IAWAI took responsibility for the delivery of water services, maintenance, and investment in new infrastructure in the Hamilton City and Waikato District Council areas.
The project has a strong focus on caring for the whenua surrounding the reservoir and creating an attractive and welcoming landscape for the community to enjoy. It includes:
- Significant landscape and habitat restoration including pest control and bat habitat enhancements.
- Ten years of ecological monitoring.
- New paths and public spaces to help more people enjoy and connect with this part of Hamilton Lake Domain. Detailed design weaving Maaori narratives and cultural themes developed with Mana Whenua, connecting people with the history, identity and significance of the Ruakiwi area.
IAWAI will continue working with Mana Whenua, nearby residents, businesses and Hamilton Lake Domain users to manage construction impacts and keep people informed as the work progresses.
The reservoir and pump station have a budget of $86.1 million which includes project management, technical investigation, and construction. Early site set up works has begun and will continue through October 2026. Construction will commence late 2026 and continue through 2028. More information about the central city and IAF:
- The IAF agreement is administered by National Infrastructure Funding and Financing Limited (NIFFCo) on behalf of the NZ Government.
- IAF Housing Outcomes Agreements were signed between Hamilton City Council, NIFFCo and six developers to deliver the housing outcomes for the central city.
