Waters decision a major for Waipā District Council

Water services soak up nearly a third of Waipā District Council’s spending each year, and deciding the future delivery of them will be one of the biggest decisions that the Council will ever face.

That’s the message the elected members received loud and clear last week at a workshop to explore some of the complexities and realities of the future delivery of drinking water, wastewater and stormwater (three waters) across the district.

All councils across New Zealand are required to consider the future management of water services under the Government’s Local Water Done Well legislation. All councils, or groups of councils, must prepare a water services delivery plan and submit it to the Department of Internal Affairs by September 2025.

The new and expanded water service delivery models councils must choose from over the coming months include council-controlled organisations (CCOs) and consumer trusts. They can collaborate with other councils, regionally or individually, but along with meeting strict environmental and water quality requirements will also be subject to economic regulation through the Commerce Commission, and must be financially sustainable.

Currently, Waipā manages its three water services internally.

Options being considered by Waipā District Council include entering into a non-binding agreement to potentially join with other Waikato councils to form a regional waters organisation.

Mayor Susan O’Regan said the workshop presented by New Plymouth Mayor Neil Holdom, TasWater former chief executive Michael Brewster, and former Papakura Mayor David Hawkins was a vital and extremely helpful exercise to guide the Council as it prepares to consider its options for water.

“It’s complex, it’s costly – and it’s crucial we get it right,” O’Regan said. “The priority is finding the best possible outcome for the people of Waipā, both now and in the future.”

Waters currently accounts for about 32 per cent of the Waipā District Council’s annual operating expenditure, 49 per cent of the proposed capital expenditure over the life of the Draft 2025-34 Long-term Plan, and 29.5 per cent of the assets owned by the council. Solving the funding challenge for waters assets is critical for the financial sustainability of the council.

The next step is a second workshop for elected members on 19 November, where they will more closely consider specific options for future water services delivery.

The community will get the chance to have its say on the council’s preference early next year.