Whakatāne District Council Confirms Future Direction for Water Services

Whakatāne District Council has confirmed how drinking water, wastewater, and stormwater services will be managed across the region in the coming years.

Following a period of public consultation and review, the Council has chosen to establish a stand-alone, ring-fenced business unit to oversee the delivery of local water services. However, it is also keeping the door open for future collaboration through a potential multi-council-controlled organisation (Multi-CCO).

The decision was shaped by feedback from 84 public submissions, gathered over several months, which presented residents with two options: a stand-alone model or a Multi-CCO.

As part of the next steps, Whakatāne District Council is entering discussions with the Kawerau, Ōpōtiki, and Rotorua Lakes Councils to explore the possibility of creating a joint regional water entity in the future.

This decision has been made in advance of new legislation under the Local Government Water Services Bill, allowing the Council time to prepare and align with upcoming regulatory requirements.

Mayor Dr Victor Luca noted that the Council engaged in thorough analysis and discussion to reach this outcome.

“After careful consideration, Councillors have agreed to proceed with an in-house, stand-alone business unit while we continue exploring the potential for a longer-term Eastern Multi-Council Controlled Organisation,” Mayor Luca said.

He added that although water services often go unseen, they are vital to everyday life.

“We want water services to be safe, reliable, environmentally responsible, and affordable now and into the future.”

Under a potential Multi-CCO model, councils would jointly own a limited liability company responsible for delivering water services. This entity would take over assets, revenue, and debt related to water services, and would operate independently under strict regulatory oversight. Councils would continue to influence service expectations and ensure community priorities are upheld.

The Council will now prepare a Water Services Delivery Plan, which is scheduled for approval on 14 August. This plan will be submitted to the Department of Internal Affairs by 3 September 2025, with the new service structure expected to be operational by 1 July 2028.

The Council also acknowledged that the updated Water Services Programme differs from the current Long Term Plan and Infrastructure Strategy. These inconsistencies will be addressed through the next Long Term Plan process.