Onsite Wastewater Management Systems (OWMS)


On-Site Wastewater Management Systems (OWMS) go by a range of names, including septic tanks, onsite systems, and On-Site System Effluent Treatment (OSET) and many more.

Roughly 18% of New Zealand's population discharges its waste via OWMS.

The OWMS SIG (Special Interest Group) are a voluntary network of professionals involved in their manufacture, design, operation and regulation.



The Water New Zealand OWMS Special Interest Group aims to:

  • Encourage whole of system considerations OWMS
  • Support initiatives to ensure an adequately trained and qualified workforce
  • Advocate for cohesive regulatory landscape for OWMS
  • Provide a focal point for collaboration amongst OWMS professionals.

Our mission is to uphold Te Mana o te Wai by promoting sustainable, effective, and fit for purpose on-site wastewater management systems that safeguard environment and public health.

Membership of the groups is open to all Water New Zealand members. If you are a member and wish to belong to one of the special interest groups, make sure you are logged in, then simply send an email via the contact form at the bottom of this page.

If you are not a current member, visit our membership page for more information. Remember to tick the appropriate Special Interest Group box when completing the Membership Application form.

OWMS Resources

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Onsite Wastewater Management Standards

29 Jun 2023

This webinar provides an overview of Onsite Wastewater Management Standards AS/NZS1547:2012, AS/NZS1546.1:2008, AS 1546.3:2017.

Understanding and taking care of your on-site wastewater management system (OWMS) for domestic wastewaters

12 Oct 2017

Choosing an On-site Wastewater Management System, OWMS

11 Apr 2019

This technical sheet is written for those who are wanting to choose an affordable, sustainable and effective OWMS for their property.

OWMS Committee

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Dev Patel

Senior Healthy Waters Specialist
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Fiona Ambury
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Gareth Williams

Managing Director Wastewater and Water Specialist

OWMS Group Chair
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Mike Dawson

Water and Wastewater Manager
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Mike Tasker

General Manager
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Marc Jensen

Associate, Senior Hydraulic Engineer

Deputy Chair OWMS Group
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Andrew Dakers

Engineer
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Sandy Ormiston

Engineering Geologist, Director
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Hamish Lowe

Principal Environmental Scientist
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Steve Crockford

Company Director - EMS NZ
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Steve Tedmanson

General Manager
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John Cocks

Director
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Lesley Smith

Insights and Sustainability Advisor (Kaitātari Pārongo me Taiao)

Water New Zealand Technical Liason
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Noel Roberts

Technical Manager (Kaiwhakahaere Hangarau)
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Katrina Guy

Internal Events and Logistics Coordinator
Become a member to be a part of OWMS SIG

Become a member