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New Hub Showcases the Latest in Water Innovation

On 26 November 2025, Watersmart opened its new water innovation hub in Auckland.

Following the need to move to bigger premises, the idea of the hub was incorporated to help showcase the innovative range of water solutions that the company has to offer.

Elliot Olsen, Watersmart’s Co-founder, says that it is easy to tell people how to have more sustainable water practices, but they also need to practice what they preach.

“The hub gives us the opportunity to show how we as a business are realising water, and cost savings through the use of our own products”, he says. “Our clients can see firsthand the applications of these solutions and how they can be used in both a commercial and residential context.”

What can people expect to see?

As you walk into the premises you will notice the beautifully designed permeable paving called Porous Lane.

60% made from recycled tyres, it is both aesthetically pleasing and a sustainable option to more traditional asphalt and concrete. The combination of materials used enables water to absorb through the surface, therefore reducing the chance of flooding. The water is filtered as it goes through, removing pollutants, and making it healthier for surrounding vegetation and stormwater systems.

Around the perimeter of the paving is a range of tanks to harvest rainwater, which can be used for non-potable use such as washing Watersmart’s vehicles and watering their plants.

The water tanks are also pumped into the building, and into the WaterSAFE treatment system, allowing the rainwater to be filtered and UV treated to be used as the primary water supply for the entire building, year-round.

WaterSAFE is the end-to-end, plug-and-play water treatment system that provides compliant, safe drinking water solutions under the NZ Water Services Act 2021 for rainwater, spring, or bore supplies.

A Hydraloop unit recycles shower, washing machine, and handbasin water. Having been hygienically cleaned through the system, the water can then be used for flushing toilets or cleaning clothes.

To enable them to measure how much water they are saving, Watersmart use a solution called Flowgen. Flowgen is an automated, cloud-connected water (and power and gas) measurement and management system that monitors plumbing assets in real time and provides alarms, analytics, and remote control.

"New Zealand is facing many challenges when it comes to water”, says Elliot. “We either have too much and get flooding or there isn’t enough, and we get droughts. We are excited to share the innovative solutions that are helping to solve these problems and show the benefits they offer”.

Industry professionals welcome

Architects, designers and other industry professionals are welcome to visit the hub, and to book it to use for meetings and events. Simply call 0800 110 808 or email [email protected] to make an appointment.

View more information on Watersmart, including contact details.
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