Potaka School sits along 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 about time for some upgrades.
Adam, a project manager from SSL Consulting, was brought in by the Ministry of Education to help Potaka school deliver their 10-year infrastructure plan. Not surprisingly, wastewater and water tanks were at the top of the list.
“We needed to find a wastewater solution that was practical, future-proof, and manageable for a such a remote school,” says Adam, Project Manager, SSL
Cutting through the red tape
The project needed more than just a contractor. It needed a team with the technical capability to manage the entire process — from site investigation to consents, delivery, and installation — without causing delays or confusion. That’s when Adam reached out to Waterflow NZ.
Caleb and the team got started right away. They visited the school, reviewed historic council records, and produced a recommendation report that not only addressed current needs but also accounted for future growth — projecting a roll of up to 150 students over the next few decades.
Once Waterflow’s report was in hand, it became clear they weren’t just a good fit — they were the right team for the job. They already understood the site, had developed a practical solution, and had the capacity to deliver. Rather than start over through the standard Government Electronic Tender Service (GETS) process — which can take 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 obviously agreed that it made sense to keep things moving instead of starting again with someone new. Because when SSL made an exemption request, it was quickly approved.
The right system, the right team
With the green light to move ahead, Waterflow took the reins. Caleb carefully considered which system would suit the school best — something reliable, low maintenance, and tough enough to handle the high-strength wastewater that schools typically produce.
With these factors in mind, Caleb recommended 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 handle the on-the-ground work, Waterflow teamed up with Tasman Plumbing Contractors from Tauranga. With years of experience on similar jobs, they were a natural fit.
“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
In the end, the Tasman Plumbing crew had just one school holiday week to get it all done — and despite the weather, they got it done.
“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 new sheds, and connected the system — all with a few last-minute tweaks from the school along the way.
“The school asked us to shift one of the tanks late in the game — no problem, we just got it sorted,” adds Brad
The install went smoothly, with Waterflow and SSL keeping close communication with everyone involved.
Six months from plan to completion
From the first application to the final sign-off, the full project took just six months — an impressive timeframe given the remoteness and complexity.
“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,” mentions Adam, SSL
Potaka now has a future-proofed system, built to last, with minimal long-term maintenance. The school’s principal, staff, and students can rely on clean water and a reliable wastewater system without worrying 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 install 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 on task throughout
Planning a school upgrade? WaterFlow works with schools, councils, and community groups across the country. Talk to our team today to see how we can help.
