In the first quarter of 2025, Council will be asking the Tararua community to share their thoughts on how our drinking water, wastewater and stormwater services (three waters) should be managed in the future. This is in line with the requirements of the government’s Local Water Done Well policy.

In an Extraordinary Council meeting held on 11 December 2024, elected members voted to seek public feedback on options which would see us partner with other councils to create a council-controlled organisation for future water services or remain alone.

In the meeting the elected members commended the comprehensive report prepared by council’s chief adviser, Peter Wimsett, which “enabled them to make an informed decision on the future of Tararua’s water services.” The report covered details on each option, including financial sustainability, affordability, and how they meet our district’s growth projections.

Council’s preferred option is forming a multi-council-controlled organisation (CCO) for joint water services together with the three Wairarapa councils of Masterton, Wairarapa, and South Wairarapa; called the “WAI+T” option. Working with these 3 councils would give a good level of scale that is likely to improve efficiencies and be more cost-effective.

Elected members voted in favour of this recommendation unanimously. Council opted to exit the Manawatū-Whanganui joint water services model that has been worked on at the same time.

According to Mayor Tracey and councillors: “We have similar synergies with the Wairarapa Councils, we share a coastline, we are similar sized councils, facing similar challenges, the same electorate, and we share cultural similarities with both iwi that are throughout this rohe - area.”

“Joining up with our southern neighbours brings the most benefits and best equips the district to meet future challenges in a way that is affordable for our ratepayers.”

The other option is continuing to operate as council is currently doing; the so-called in-house option, which is unlikely to be financially sustainable.

The government’s consultation requirements for Local Water Done Well require Council to choose a preferred option. Mayor Tracey said: “This is a huge decision for our district, council is looking forward to community feedback from the consultation, we will make sure to provide information around both options, so people understand the cost implications and pros and cons of each option.”

During the meeting, elected members also voiced concerns that “there are still huge uncertainties when it comes to this reform.” Just the day before, on 10^th December, the comprehensive 325-page Local Government (Water Services) Bill was released. This significant piece of legislation is set to outline the intricate details of the new water services delivery system. The Bill aims to establish a new economic regulation and consumer protection regime for water services, alongside introducing changes to the water quality regulatory framework and the water services regulator.

Following feedback from the public, including hearing from submitters, Council will make its final decision and a Water Services Delivery Plan and Implementation Plan will be completed and adopted. Councils are legally required to develop, adopt and submit a Water Services Delivery Plan to the government by September 2025.