Local Water Done Well
Central Government is transforming the way drinking water, wastewater and stormwater (the three waters) are delivered in Aotearoa New Zealand.
This is to give New Zealanders confidence that drinking water is safe to use, sources of drinking water are adequately protected, and wastewater and stormwater are managed in environmentally sustainable ways.
What is Local Water Done Well?
Local Water Done Well is the Coalition Government’s plan to address Aotearoa New Zealand’s long-standing water infrastructure challenges. It replaces the previous government's Three Waters Reform programme but seeks to achieve similar water outcomes.
Key components of Local Water Done Well:
- fit-for-purpose service delivery models and financing tools
- ensuring water services are financially sustainable
- introducing greater central government oversight, economic and quality regulation.
Local Water Done Well is being implemented in three stages, each with its own piece of legislation.
- Repeal of previous water services legislation.
- Establish framework and preliminary arrangements for the new water services system.
- Establish enduring settings.
Development of Water Services Delivery Plans
As part of this process, councils are required to develop comprehensive water service delivery plans that meet regulatory and investment requirements by September 2025. This will fundamentally change how critical water services are delivered within our districts.
Horowhenua District Council is actively working on a water service delivery plan in response to the Local Water Done Well policy. This plan will outline proposed models for delivering water services and whether we will work independently or collaboratively with other councils.
The water services delivery plan must include a description of the proposed model or arrangements to deliver water services, including whether this will be achieved alone, or by working with other councils.
A regional approach
Work is at an early stage to examine reasonably practicable options, including continuing the status quo service delivery option, or establishing a new water services organisation with neighbouring Councils.
As part of exploring the options, we’re working with Councils in the Wellington region, and to the north we're working with Councils in the Manawatū / Whanganui Region, to develop the concept for a joint-council water services organisation that will be workable, affordable, sustainable, and meet the needs of communities and the environment.
Our Council will then need to make a decision on the best way forward for our community, this decision is expected in late November.
Submission
Submission - Local Government Water Services Preliminary Arrangements Bill - Horowhenua District Council - 13 June 2024(PDF, 840KB)