Councils commit in principle to establishing regional water services organisation

This is a joint media release issued by Far North, Whangarei and Kaipara district councils.

Whangārei, Kaipara and Far North district councils have reaffirmed their shared commitment to establishing a Northland-wide council-controlled organisation (CCO) to deliver drinking water and wastewater services for the region from July 2027.

Kaipara District Council confirmed its position at a council meeting on 25 March 2026, followed by Far North District Council and Whangarei District Council on 1 April 2026.

As part of the recommitment, each council confirmed its commitment in principle to forming the joint CCO and endorsed in principle a proposed Constitution for the CCO and a proposed Shareholders’ Agreement, subject to several additional safeguards.

Councils also endorsed a recommendation for the Establishment Advisory Group, currently providing independent assurance and advice, to become the first board of the CCO once the company is incorporated, subject to agreement from the Elected Member Steering Group guiding the project.

The commitment follows Secretary for Local Government approval of the Northland Water Services Delivery Plan in late 2025, which set out a phased transition to a new service delivery model focused on regulatory compliance, financial sustainability and support for future growth.

Elected Member Steering Group Chair and Mayor of Whangārei, Ken Couper said that the decisions demonstrated councils’ collective commitment to working together for the long-term benefit of Northland.

“A regional approach strengthens our ability to meet increasing regulatory requirements, build resilience across our networks and make well-planned investments in essential water infrastructure.”

The final decision on forming the CCO is expected to be in front of all three councils later this month where they will decide whether to formally sign the agreements, which would allow the new company to be incorporated in May 2026.

About the Shareholders Agreement

The Shareholders Agreement sets out how Far North, Whangārei and Kaipara district councils will work together as the joint owners of the new Northland water services organisation. It defines the relationship between the councils as shareholders and provides the framework for ownership, control and collective decision-making.

About the Constitution

The Constitution is the founding document of the council-controlled organisation and sets out how the organisation itself will operate and be governed. It defines the organisation’s purpose, which is to deliver drinking water and wastewater services for Northland in a way that meets regulatory requirements and community expectations.

About the Establishment Advisory Group

The Establishment Advisory Group is an independent group appointed jointly by the three councils to advise on the establishment of the new water organisation. The group is chaired by Murray Bain and includes David Rankin, Steve Couper, Michael Sage and Marlon Bridge.

Subject to incorporation of the company and agreement from the Elected Member Steering Group, the Establishment Advisory Group is intended to become the first board of the council-controlled organisation.