As councils across New Zealand deliberate on the future delivery of drinking water, wastewater and stormwater, the Whakatāne District Council has taken the next step towards ensuring sustainable and efficient water services for the community.
At today’s (12 December) Council meeting, elected members considered options to protect and provide the community’s water services under the Government’s new ‘Local Water Done Well’ (LWDW) legislative requirements.
LWDW is the Coalition Government’s plan to address New Zealand’s long-standing water infrastructure challenges, replacing the previous Three Waters Reform. It emphasises local decision making and flexibility for communities and councils in determining future water service delivery.
As part of this programme, all councils must develop and submit Water Services Delivery Plan (WSDPs) by early September 2025. This process allows councils to design the structure, delivery method, and funding arrangements for their water services.
Elected Members received a comprehensive analysis of the current state of water services planning and investment along with options for future delivery. The report aligns with LWDW’s legislative aims and guides the development of the Council's WSDP, crucial for meeting the new legislative requirements and ensuring financial sustainability.
The Whakatāne District has limited options that would satisfy a strict interpretation of the financial sustainability requirements.
David Bewley, General Manager Planning, Regulatory and Infrastructure says the Council is committed to ensuring the outcome is a water service delivery model that works best for the district now and into the future.
“The Council agreed on a shortlist of two options for further investigation - continuing to deliver water services on a standalone basis (status quo) or collaborating with councils in a sub-regional or regional water service organisation.”
“We are open to collaborating with other councils, but ultimately, our final options will depend as much on the choices of others as on what Whakatāne District prefers.”
While shortlisting the options for water delivery is a crucial step, no final decision has been made.
“In the early new year, elected members will receive further information on the two options, including further clarity on the legislative requirements, the necessary work programme moving forward, and the financial costs of each model.
Mr Bewley adds, “This will help determine the most practical options for the Whakatāne District in the long term. These refined options, including a preferred option, will be presented to our communities for consultation in April next year.”
“Community feedback will be essential in shaping the final Water Services Delivery Plan. Following consultation, elected members will make their final decision on the delivery model, with the Plan to be submitted to the Department of Internal Affairs by 3 September 2025.
“Whatever model we choose, it will very likely bring significant change to how water services are managed and delivered. Our message to the community is to expect change”.
The Council is committed to ensuring that future decisions on water services delivery will consider affordability and sustainability, aiming to provide high-quality water services to Whakatāne District.