Northland Waters
Northland Waters, Ngā Wai o Te Tai Tokerau, is a new council-controlled organisation (CCO) that will deliver drinking water and wastewater services from July 2027.
It is being established as part of the government's Local Water Done Well reforms, which require councils to have a plan for delivering safe, reliable and financially sustainable water services.
Northland Waters will become responsible for providing drinking water and wastewater services across the three districts. It will have its own board and management team, while the three councils will jointly own the organisation as shareholders.
After considering different options and community feedback, Far North, Whangārei and Kaipara district councils agreed that establishing a shared regional water organisation was the preferred way to deliver drinking water and wastewater services in future.
Far North District Council, Whangārei District Council and Kaipara District Council will jointly own Northland Waters through a shareholder arrangement.
Northland Waters will have responsibility for delivering drinking water and wastewater services, while the three councils will oversee the organisation through agreed governance arrangements. The relationship between the councils is set out in the shareholders' agreement, and the organisation's governance is described in its constitution.
For most residents, there is no immediate change. Far North District Council will continue delivering drinking water and wastewater services while Northland Waters is being established.
If you need to report a fault, request a service or contact the Council about drinking water or wastewater, you should continue to contact Far North District Council as you do now.
As the transition progresses, more information will be shared with communities about any future changes.
There is no information currently available about future water charges for customers after the new organisation begins operating.
Until Northland Waters starts delivering services in July 2027, Far North District Council will continue to set water charges and rates through its normal planning and budgeting processes.
If future charging arrangements change after Northland Waters begins operating, those details will be communicated once they have been confirmed.
Until July 2027, Far North District Council remains responsible for delivering drinking water and wastewater services in the Far North.
If you need to report a water leak, wastewater overflow or another service issue, you should continue to contact the council.
Information about contacting Northland Waters will be provided closer to the transition date.
Read more on Northland Waters project page.