Major milestone reached for Local Water Done Well

Every mainland council in New Zealand now has an approved water services delivery plan under Local Water Done Well, marking a major milestone in delivering more reliable and financially sustainable water services for ratepayers, Local Government Minister Simon Watts says.

The milestone follows the approval of Waitaki District Council’s amended water services delivery plan by the Secretary for Local Government. Waitaki will join Central Otago, Clutha, and Gore District Councils in the new regional water services organisation, Southern Water.

“Waitaki is not alone in facing challenges around the affordability and reliability of water services. Working together through a regional organisation is a positive step forward. It provides scale, better use of expertise and capacity, and improved access to finance,” Mr Watts says.

“The milestone highlights the steady progress of Local Water Done Well, with implementation now well underway across the country.

“As of 1 July, five new council-controlled water organisations are now operating. This includes four multi-council organisations, Waikato’s IAWAI and Waikato Waters, Wellington’s Tiaki Wai, and the Kaikōura–Hurunui joint organisation, alongside the single-council organisation Selwyn Water.

“A further 13 council-controlled water organisations expected to launch in the next 12 months, this means three-quarters of New Zealanders will soon receive water services from organisations established under Local Water Done Well and owned by 46 councils.  

“Local Water Done Well supports councils to focus on the basics, fixing pipes, investing in infrastructure, and delivering safe, reliable water services their communities depend on.

“In less than three years, the Government has repealed Labour’s Three Waters policy and returned water assets to local communities.

“We have also supported a financial solution for Watercare, saving Aucklanders $899 million over four years, and reformed water regulation, including new wastewater standards expected to save councils $830 million in consenting costs, alongside economic regulation to better protect consumers’ interests.

“I want to acknowledge the work of the Department of Internal Affairs’ water services team in supporting these outcomes. The team today moves to the new Ministry of Cities, Environment, Regions and Transport, where it will continue its system stewardship role, including monitoring councils’ implementation of their water services delivery plans.

“Acceptance of Waitaki District Council’s plan also marks the completion of Hon Amy Adams’ work as Crown facilitator with the council. I appointed Ms Adams to assist the council in amending its previous plan to meet legislative requirements under Local Water Done Well. I thank her for her work.

“While there is more work to do, this milestone shows we are making strong progress delivering more reliable, sustainable water services for New Zealanders.” ...