Three waters, three options, one decision

The way is still wide open for Waipā District Council to work with fellow local authorities to deliver water services – either as part of Waikato Waters Done Well or by collaborating with Hamilton City and Waikato District Councils.

Hamilton City and Waikato District councillors this week both voted to pursue joining together as their preferred model for water services delivery – but made it clear that Waipā was welcome to join them.

In November, Waipā District Council agreed to enter a non-binding Heads of Agreement for Waikato Waters Done Well, a regional model initiative led by the Joint Waikato Mayors and Iwi Chairs Forum. At that time it also signalled that it would further investigate working with Hamilton City and Waikato District, as other high-growth councils.

At its meeting this week, Hamilton councillors unanimously agreed to proceed with the two-council model, and underlined that over time it could include Waipā and ultimately, other councils from around the region.

Hamilton City Council had already opted out of Waikato Waters Done Well.

Waikato District Council today agreed to pursue the two-council model as its preferred option, but has not ruled out becoming part of Waikato Waters Done Well. It will consult with its community over both models next year.

Waipā District Council is still considering all its options, and will also consult with its community early next year.

Mayor Susan O’Regan says the decision ahead is a critical one, and Council was acutely aware that the choices it makes will impact the district for many generations to come.

“The good news is that we have options – it’s a great position to be in. But it makes our decision harder as there is a lot of information to take into account, and no time to waste.”

Under the Government’s Local Waters Done Well legislation, all councils across New Zealand are required to produce a water services delivery plan by September next year, with a focus on ensuring future delivery is financially sustainable and meets quality standards.