Whangārei's wastewater infrastructure had constraints in some areas, but these were in the supporting pipe network rather than at the treatment plant itself. "The Whangārei wastewater treatment plant currently treats only a small portion of what is allowed under its consent," Couper said. "Any request to use Whangārei's wastewater infrastructure would need to be carefully evaluated to ensure it does not negatively impact services, infrastructure capacity, environmental outcomes or residents. He said the development's treated wastewater could be discharged on-site during its initial years. "If transporting treated wastewater ends up being required, we will look at the different options available and decide which to use depending on what is most suitable at the time."