Future-proof infrastructure for Potaka School

Full wastewater solution delivered in less that six months

Potaka School sits on the East Cape, with the nearest town 130 km away. Its infrastructure hadn’t been touched since the 1960s. With the school roll growing, it was time for an upgrade.

Adam, a project manager from SSL Consulting, was brought in by the Ministry of Education to help deliver Potaka School’s 10-year infrastructure plan. Unsurprisingly, wastewater and water tanks were right at the top of the list.

“We needed to find a wastewater solution that was practical, future-proof, and manageable for such a remote school,” says Adam, Project Manager, SSL.

Cutting through the red tape

This project needed more than just a contractor. It needed a team with the technical capability to manage the entire process — from site investigation and consents through to delivery and installation — without delays or confusion. That’s when Adam called Waterflow NZ.

Caleb and the team got to work immediately. They visited the school, reviewed council records, and produced a recommendation report that covered not just the current requirements but also planned for future growth, projecting up to 150 students over the coming decades.

Once Waterflow’s report was complete, it was clear they weren’t just a good fit — they were the right team. They already knew the site, had developed a practical solution, and were ready to deliver. Instead of going through the standard Government Electronic Tender Service (GETS) process, which could have added weeks, SSL applied for an exemption to appoint them directly.

“Waterflow had already done the groundwork. They knew the site, understood the needs, and had the right system ready to go,” says Adam.

The Ministry agreed, approving the exemption request quickly so the project could move forward without delay.

The right system, the right team

With approval secured, Waterflow led the way. Caleb carefully considered which system would best suit the school: something robust, reliable, and low maintenance, capable of handling the high-strength wastewater schools typically produce.

His recommendation was the Econotreat system.

“Econotreat made sense for a remote school like Potaka. It’s simple, reliable, and doesn’t need much hands-on maintenance to keep running well,” says Caleb, Waterflow NZ.

To carry out the installation, Waterflow partnered with Tasman Plumbing Contractors from Tauranga. With years of experience on similar projects, they were the natural choice.

“Brad and the team came in ready to go. They knew what needed to be done and got stuck in straight away. That kind of experience makes a huge difference,” recalls Caleb.

The Tasman Plumbing crew had just one school holiday week to complete the work — and despite challenging weather, they pulled it off.

“The forecast changed, so we left two days early. We were up there on Saturday, ready to go,” says Brad, Tasman Plumbing.

Brad’s team removed the old concrete towers and sterilising equipment, installed new tanks, poured concrete pads, built sheds, and connected the system — while also adapting to a few last-minute requests from the school.

“The school asked us to shift one of the tanks late in the game. No problem, we just got it sorted,” adds Brad.

Throughout the process, Waterflow and SSL kept close communication with all parties, ensuring everything stayed on track.

Six months from plan to completion

From the first application to final sign-off, the project was delivered in just six months — impressive given the remote location and the complexity involved.

“There were a few hiccups, as there always are. But the process was tight, the communication from Waterflow was excellent, and everyone pulled in the same direction,” says Adam, SSL.

Today, Potaka has a future-proofed system designed to last, with minimal long-term maintenance. The school’s staff and students can rely on clean water and a reliable wastewater system without worrying about what’s happening underground.

“Waterflow are total experts and really great to work with,” says Adam, SSL.

Why waterflow worked so well for Potaka School

• One-stop delivery – design, consent, supply, and installation all managed by one team

• Smart system design – Econotreat chosen for high-strength waste and low maintenance

• Proven on-site knowledge – exemption granted thanks to Waterflow’s deep involvement

• Tight timelines met – installation completed within school holidays

• Strong communication – all parties kept informed and aligned throughout

Planning a school upgrade?

Waterflow works with schools, councils, and community groups across New Zealand. Talk to our team today to see how we can help.