Local Water Done Well

Consultation has now closed.

Thank you to everyone who provided feedback, came to a drop-in session or made a submission. Your voice will help our elected members make an informed decision.

135 submissions were received during the consultation period, 119 were in favour of the multi-council CCO, and the remaining 16 to keep with the existing approach.

Deliberations are scheduled for 8 May at 10am. The agenda will be available here early w/c 5 May.

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Local Water Done Well is the Coalition Government’s plan to address New Zealand’s long standing water infrastructure challenges following the repeal of Water Services Reform legislation (Three Waters) in February 2024.

It recognises the importance of local decision making and flexibility for communities and councils to determine how their water services will be delivered in the future. As part of this, local councils have to look at alternative ways to deliver water services, and consult with their community on the options.

Any proposed new water organisation would be intended to enable enhanced access to long term borrowing for investment in water infrastructure that supports growth and resilience of water services.

The legislation requires councils to prepare a Water Service Delivery Plan (WSDP) to:

• identify the current state of each council’s water services.
• demonstrate publicly each council’s commitment to deliver water services in a way that ensures compliance, meets drinking water standards, is financial sustainable, and supports housing growth and urban development.

The WSDP must include a description of the proposed model or arrangements to deliver water services, including whether this will be through a new joint arrangement, or by continuing a current arrangement.

Why participate?

Part of the legislation requires councils to consult with their communities on which delivery model can move us forward into the future.

This is one of the biggest decisions that both the Council and community will make – we’re consulting on whether South Wairarapa’s water services should be managed by

• a new council-controlled organisation (CCO) called Wairarapa-Tararua
• our existing approach (Wellington Water Ltd.)

Our district requires major infrastructure projects in the coming years and, coupled with increased requirements on Councils to deliver water services, not just drinking water but wastewater and in the future stormwater through the Government’s new water services authority and regulator, Taumata Arawai, we need to be set up in the best way possible to service our communities’ water needs.

We don't want to make a decision on this without hearing what our community thinks, so we need people to share their views on Council’s proposal.

What’s happening?

From 7 March – 6 April, you’ll be able to share your feedback on which of the two models you prefer.

To find out more, the consultation document is the go-to for information, key questions, and process details you need to have your say.

You can provide feedback on all of the proposals and changes or only those that interest you.