Published 13/11/2025
Whakawhirinaki Silverstream Pipe Bridge is a win for Wellington's drinking water network
Whakawhirinaki Silverstream Pipe Bridge was officially opened yesterday morning with a karakia and a ribbon-cutting event, marking the completion of a significant infrastructure project which supports the resilience of the Wellington Region’s drinking water supply as well as providing walking and cycling opportunities for locals and visitors to the area.
Built to withstand flooding events and major earthquakes, Whakawhirinaki Silverstream Pipe Bridge replaces an older and much more vulnerable pipe carrying drinking water across Te Awa Kairangi / Hutt River.
This project is part of Wellington Water and Greater Wellington’s programme of work to improve the resilience of the Wellington metropolitan drinking water supply along with other key projects including the completed Kaitoke Pipe Bridge and upgrades to optimise the capacity of the Te Mārua Water Treatment Plant.
Wellington Water Acting Chief Operating Officer Jeremy McKibbin notes that this was a much-needed project for the region.
“This opening reflects the hard work of everyone involved in the project throughout the past four years, highlighting the planning, commitment and strong collaboration involved to deliver the project. It has involved major upgrades to the bulk water infrastructure and installing new bulk water pipes along with the construction of the new pipe bridge.
“Building a pipe bridge of this scale, in a location with significant technical challenges, is a real testament to the skill, collaboration and dedication of everyone involved in the project behind the scenes.
"Whakawhirinaki Silverstream Pipe Bridge will significantly improve the resilience of the water supply to earthquakes and flooding events, continuing to provide Wellingtonians with safe drinking water, where the previous pipe would have failed and been difficult and costly to repair.
“This is a real asset for the Wellington Region.”
The ceremony was attended by Wellington Water Board, staff and key project stakeholders including local mana whenua iwi Te Ātiawa, Greater Wellington, Upper Hutt City Council, Hutt City Council, elected officials, GHD, Brian Perry Civil, Holmes Consulting, E Carsons and Sons Ltd, Wellington Pipelines and other contractors involved in the project.
Following yesterday morning’s ceremony, the bridge has now been officially handed over to Greater Wellington and the public.
Greater Wellington regional councillor Ros Connelly says in addition to securing the water supply, the pipe bridge will be a popular recreation feature for walkers and cyclists in the region.
“Last year we celebrated the completion of the Kaitoke Pipe Bridge, and I’m thrilled to see another key piece of water infrastructure completed to protect our water supply from earthquakes and flooding,” Cr Connelly says.
“I encourage everyone to come visit Whakawhirinaki - to walk or ride across the pipe bridge and admire the feat of engineering, as well as enjoy the beautiful view of Te Awa Kairangi.”
Editor notes
Wellington Water is owned and fully funded by Wellington City Council, Hutt City Council, Porirua City Council, and Upper Hutt City Council, Greater Wellington Regional Council and South Wairarapa District Council. All six councils are equal shareholders.
Our councils own the water infrastructure in the region, and they task us to manage the infrastructure and deliver water services to our communities.
Wellington Water is governed by a Board of Directors. The Board and our organisation receive overall leadership and direction from the Wellington Water Committee, which are also responsible for appointing members to the Board.
The Wellington Water Committee is made up of representatives from our council owners and mana whenua.
