It’s no longer in the pipeline
Published on 11 September 2026
Some of Oamaru’s oldest water infrastructure is getting an important upgrade, with work under way to make future repairs on Thames Street far less disruptive.
A SouthRoads Ōamaru team began work on a section of the pipe outside Farmers on Friday morning, opening up the site ahead of further work on Sunday. A team will then install a new valve and fire hydrant, improving the reliability and flexibility of some of the country’s oldest water infrastructure still in service.
Mayor Mel Tavendale said the work was a practical investment in the resilience of Oamaru’s water network.
“Much of this infrastructure has served our town for generations, but its age and configuration can make even routine repairs disruptive. Installing these valves will give our teams greater flexibility and help keep any future shutdowns much more contained.”
New valves are being installed in two locations, allowing the network to be shut off in smaller sections.
Once the new valves are in place, the main replacement of the Wear and Thames intersection valve can take place with minimal disruption to the CBD.
The 19th century cast iron pipework on Thames Street has often been problematic when work was needed, because the current valve placement means water must be shut off to a large number of businesses.
The three-week process has been timed to minimise disruption to businesses along Thames Street, with water fully restored outside the planned work periods.
Council and their contractors appreciate the co-operation of local businesses as we get on with the upgrade some of our often unnoticed, but always needed, infrastructure.
Mayor Tavendale also thanked businesses and the project team for working together to limit the impact on the town centre.
“We know access and continuity are vital for our CBD businesses, so this programme has been carefully planned to minimise disruption. I appreciate everyone’s patience while we complete work that will make future maintenance quicker, more targeted and less disruptive.”
ENDS
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