A community meeting to discuss Council-related Tuai matters is planned for Tuesday 2 December 2025.

Topics will include chlorination of the Tuai water supply along with an update on Local Water Done Well, discussions about Council-owned assets, such as the hall, church, existing playground and proposed new playground, sports areas, the craft shop and other matters such as fly-dumping in the village.

Wairoa Mayor Craig Little says Tuai is a unique village and Tuesday's meeting is a great chance to talk about these matters and work together to move forward with Council and the community working in partnership.

A key item for discussion is safe and healthy drinking water which is the driver behind chlorination of the Tuai water supply.

Currently, the Tuai water supply does not meet Drinking Water Standards for New Zealand, putting the community and Council at risk of contamination and penalties.

Council is required to ensure the Tuai public water supply system meets drinking water health compliance standards.

As the national regulator, Taumata Arowai is working with the Council to ensure that the supply complies.

Chlorination is the most effective and affordable option for the community, and once operational, will enable the boil water notice to be lifted, consistent with drinking water standards.

The Tuai water supply system provides drinking water to about 60 connected properties (approximately 300 people), mainly residential users and a primary school.

The water supply system is unchlorinated and has been under a boil water notice since February 2023, in response to potential contamination from treatment or reticulation.

"All tests conducted at both the Tuai Water Treatment Plant and the reticulation system have come back clear of any bacterial contamination," Mayor Craig Little says.

"However, there's always a risk of sudden contamination from broken pipes, animal waste, or heavy rain events. Chlorine provides a safety barrier, or additional layer of protection, all the way through the pipes to your tap."

The meeting is planned for Tuesday 2 December at 5pm at the Tuai Hall. It is hoped as many people as possible from Tuai and the surrounding area will be available to attend. 

Permanent solution for safe drinking water

Under the Water Services Act 2021 all registered drinking water suppliers have a legal responsibility to ensure the water they supply is safe to drink. 

Chlorination of the Tuai water supply will enable Council to meet its obligations under the Water Services Act 2021, including compliance with New Zealand Drinking Water Standards and Drinking Water Quality Assurance Rules (the Rules) that set out minimum compliance requirements for different types and sizes of drinking water supply.

This permanent solution provides safe drinking water to connected users through a proven disinfection method widely used in New Zealand and internationally to eliminate bacteria and prevent waterborne diseases.

25 November 2025

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