Key Takeaways
- Napier City Council was recognised as one of New Zealand’s best‑tasting tap water suppliers, though it did not win the top prize at the WIOG awards.
- The victory went to Manawatū District Council’s Stanway‑Halcombe water scheme, which impressed judges with its colour, clarity, odour and taste.
- Councillor Keith Price highlighted Napier’s natural advantage – the Heretaunga Plains aquifer – and stressed ongoing investment and responsible management as key to maintaining water quality.
- The Water Industry Operations Group of New Zealand (WIOG) uses a blind taste‑test format similar to wine tasting, evaluating colour, clarity, odour and palate pleasure.
- As the national champion, Manawatū advanced to the IXOM Trans‑Tasman Water Taste Test (the “Bledisloe Cup” of tap water), where it was narrowly defeated by the Northern Territory’s Katherine water treatment plant.
- The competition underscores the dedication of water‑industry professionals who ensure safe, high‑quality drinking water reaches households daily.
Background and Announcement
Councillor Keith Price, chair of Napier City Council’s Delivery and Regulatory Committee, expressed enthusiasm after Napier was named one of the best‑tasting tap water suppliers in New Zealand. Speaking at the annual Water Industry Operations Group of New Zealand (WIOG) conference and awards held in Rotorua, Price said the council was “stoked” to receive the accolade. The recognition came despite Napier not securing the overall championship, which was awarded to a rival district. Price’s remarks set the tone for a discussion about the strengths of Napier’s water supply and the competitive nature of the national tasting event.
Napier’s Natural Advantage
Price attributed Napier’s high water quality to the Heretaunga Plains aquifer, a premium natural source that underpins the city’s drinking‑water network. He explained that the aquifer provides water with desirable mineral characteristics and a clean profile that requires relatively minimal treatment. This geological gift, combined with the council’s stewardship, gives Napier a solid foundation for producing water that consistently meets high aesthetic standards.
Investment and Management Practices
Beyond the natural asset, Price emphasised the role of continuous investment and responsible management by Napier City Council. He noted that routine maintenance of pipes, pumps, and treatment facilities, along with proactive source‑water protection programmes, ensures the water remains reliable and safe for consumers. These operational practices help sustain the water’s taste and quality over time, reinforcing public trust in the municipal supply.
The Competition Field
Napier faced three other finalists at the WIOG awards: Rotorua Lakes District Council, Manawatū District Council, and Western Bay of Plenty District Council. Each entrant submitted water samples for evaluation, creating a tightly contested field. The diversity of regional water sources and treatment approaches made the judges’ task challenging, as all finalists demonstrated commendable quality.
Judging Criteria and Process
The WIOG panel assessed entries based on four key attributes: colour (must be completely translucent, free of white or brown tones), clarity (crystal clear, not cloudy), odour (a pleasant scent), and taste (pleasing to the palate). Samples were presented in a blind taste‑test format, likened to wine tasting where participants sip without spitting. This method eliminates bias and focuses purely on sensory perception, ensuring the winner truly excels in drinkability.
Manawatū’s Victory
Ultimately, Manawatū District Council’s Stanway‑Halcombe water scheme claimed the top honour. Judges praised its exceptional balance of colour, clarity, odour and flavour, noting that the high standard across all finalists made the decision difficult but unanimous. Price congratulated Manawatū, acknowledging the merit of their water while reaffirming Napier’s commitment to continual improvement.
Price’s Reflective Comments
Reflecting on the outcome, Price reiterated that Napier’s water possesses a natural quality bolstered by the council’s diligent efforts. He highlighted that the result underscores the daily work across Napier’s water network—maintaining infrastructure, safeguarding source water, and delivering a trustworthy service. Price expressed enthusiasm for future participation, aiming to benchmark Napier nationally and continue showcasing the city’s drinking‑water excellence.
WIOG Chair’s Perspective
Joshua McIndo, chair of WIOG, used the occasion to remind the public that turning on a tap for drinking, cooking or showering often overlooks the complex infrastructure and dedicated labour behind it. He stated that the competition highlights the tireless work of individuals and organisations that provide communities with safe, high‑quality drinking water every day. By elevating the profile of water quality, WIOG aims to foster appreciation and support for ongoing investment in water services.
Trans‑Tasman Showdown
As the New Zealand champion, Manawatū advanced to the IXOM Trans‑Tasman Water Taste Test, popularly dubbed the “Blesdloe Cup of tap water tasting.” In this international showdown, the Kiwi team competed against Australia’s top drop. The match proved closely fought, but Manawatū ultimately fell short to the Northern Territory’s Katherine water treatment plant. Despite the loss, the trans‑Tasman contest reinforced the high calibre of water quality on both sides of the Tasman Sea.
Local Body Journalism Note
The article originates from Local Democracy Reporting (LDR), a journalism initiative co‑funded by Radio New Zealand (RNZ) and NZ On Air. LDR aims to strengthen coverage of local government affairs, ensuring communities receive informed, reliable reporting on matters such as water services, infrastructure, and public health. This support enables detailed storytelling about achievements like the WIOG tap‑water competition and its implications for residents.