Watercare Recognised Nationally For Infrastructure, Innovation And Operational Excellence
by Watercare · SCOOPWatercare's delivery of critical infrastructure and investment in innovation has been recognised at the 2026 Water New Zealand Awards, with projects spanning project delivery, network operations, digital transformation and technical excellence receiving national honours.
Among the awards was the Project Award for the Central Interceptor Main Works, delivered by the Ghella Abergeldie Joint Venture and Watercare. The project is one of the largest wastewater infrastructure investments ever undertaken in New Zealand and is already improving water quality in Auckland's waterways and harbours.
Watercare chief executive Jamie Sinclair says the awards reflect the scale of work underway to build a more resilient water and wastewater network that supports Auckland's growth and helps protect the environment.
"These awards reflect the commitment, expertise and innovation of our people and partners who are delivering the infrastructure Auckland needs today while preparing for future growth.
"It's particularly pleasing to see recognition across such a broad range of areas, from major project delivery and operational excellence to digital innovation and technical leadership. Together, they demonstrate the capability we are continuing to build across Watercare."
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Watercare also received the Digital Transformation Impact Award for its Asset Risk Intelligence programme, which is helping transform infrastructure investment decisions through the use of data and insights to better identify and manage network risk.
The organisation's Sewer Pipe Failure Repair project received the Operations Award, recognising excellence in maintaining essential services and responding to critical network challenges.
Watercare's technical expertise was also acknowledged through the Paper of the Year Award, won by Watercare's Andrew Schunke and Jacobs' Gokul Bharambe for their work on adaptive multi-mode digestion at Māngere Wastewater Treatment Plant.
Sinclair says the awards reflect Watercare's focus on delivering for Auckland today while investing responsibly for future generations.
"These awards recognise the impact our people and partners are having across every part of our business, from delivering major infrastructure and reliable services to addressing the complex challenges of growth, resilience, environmental stewardship and long-term investment.
"Whether we're delivering transformative projects like the Central Interceptor, using technology and data to make better investment decisions, or advancing new ideas through research and innovation, collaboration is critical to achieving better outcomes.
"They are a testament to the thousands of people contributing to that effort and our shared commitment to building a more resilient, sustainable and future-ready Auckland."
Watercare award winners at the 2026 Water New Zealand Awards
Project Award: Central Interceptor Main Works (Ghella Abergeldie Joint Venture and Watercare)
Operations Award: Sewer Pipe Failure Repair
Digital Transformation Impact Award: Asset Risk Intelligence: Transforming Infrastructure Investment Decisions
Paper of the Year: Designing for Uncertainty: Adaptive Multi Mode Digestion at Māngere Wastewater Treatment Plant (Andrew Schunke, Watercare, and Gokul Bharambe, Jacobs)
About Watercare
Every day, we provide essential water and wastewater services that support Auckland, delivering around 440 million litres of safe drinking water and collecting more than 400 million litres of wastewater every day for 1.8 million people across the region.
Over the next decade, we will invest $15.2 billion in water and wastewater infrastructure through a coordinated capital works programme comprising of more than 1000 projects across nine major infrastructure programmes.
Through the renewal of critical assets and delivery of capital projects, we are investing in resilient, future-ready infrastructure that supports Auckland's growth, strengthens network performance and reliability, improves environmental outcomes, and ensures reliable water and wastewater services for generations to come.
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