In December 2023 the Government announced a new direction for water services, (drinking water, wastewater and stormwater services) called Local Water Done Well.
The Government has introduced legislation that establishes the Local Water Done Well framework and the preliminary arrangements for the new water services system. It lays the foundation for a new approach to water services management and financially sustainable delivery models that meet regulatory standards.
Local Water Done Well is being implemented in three stages, each with its own piece of legislation. The second stage is underway, with the Local Government (Water Services Preliminary Arrangements) Bill introduced to Parliament on 30 May 2024. Together with other councils in the region, we have made a joint submission on this bill. It is expected that this legislation will be enacted and become law in late August 2024. A further Bill providing more detail is expected to be introduced in December 2024.
A regional response
One of the legislative requirements is for councils to develop water services delivery plans. With other councils, we have signed an MoU to work together on a plan in response to the Government’s Local Water Done Well policy. Read the MoU here, signed by the four Wellington metropolitan councils, GWRC and Kāpiti Coast, Horowhenua, Carterton, South Wairarapa and Masterton District Councils.
An Advisory Oversight Group (AOG) for this regional approach has been established. This is led by Dame Kerry Prendergast and made up of elected members from the 10 councils in the Wellington region and Horowhenua District along with iwi representatives. Our council is represented on the AOG by Mayor Campbell Barry.
Consultation is likely to be undertaken in 2025 once we have further developed options for consideration.
7 October 2024 update
Nine councils in the Wellington region, along with Horowhenua District Council, have now received a report outlining a recommended regional approach to joint water services delivery.
The report outlines the scale of the challenge, implications around funding and pricing and is intended to support councils and councillors for significant decisions ahead.
It recommends a joint council owned company that would provide all services directly to water customers, and bill directly for water usage and services provided.
You can read the report here:
We'll continue to update this page as it works through the water reform process.