Every mainland council in New Zealand now has an approved water services delivery plan under the Local Water Done Well programme.
Local Government Minister Simon Watts announced the milestone following approval of Waitaki District Council's amended plan by the Secretary for Local Government. Waitaki will join Central Otago, Clutha and Gore district councils in the newly formed regional water services organisation Southern Water.
5 council-controlled water organisations began operating from 1 July, including 4 multi-council entities. A further 13 organisations are expected to launch within the next 12 months. The organisations will deliver water services to 75% of New Zealanders and be owned by 46 councils.
Watts said "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."
The Government repealed Labour's Three Waters policy and returned water assets to local communities in less than three years. Watts had appointed Amy Adams as Crown facilitator to assist Waitaki in meeting legislative requirements for its plan; that work has now concluded.
The water services team from the Department of Internal Affairs has relocated to the Ministry of Cities, Environment, Regions and Transport.