More than $1 million and hundreds of extra staff hours fixing the stench from a failing wastewater plant in Whanganui is finally starting to work.
Whanganui District Council has spent more than $1 million in the past four months on short-term measures and it's working.
It says pungent hydrogen-sulphide smells, experienced in December and January, are now under control.
The council blames fundamental design flaws, with the shape of the ponds not properly processing waste.
An engineering company will report on options for the plant's long term viability later this month.
Mayor Annette Main said the city's reputation has taken a hit.