Northland district councils adopt Water Services Delivery Plan

Whangārei, Kaipara and Far North district councils have adopted a joint Water Services Delivery Plan (WSDP), marking a significant step toward establishing a regionally controlled water services entity under the government’s Local Water Done Well programme.

Following the decision to form a multi-council-controlled organisation (CCO) for delivery of drinking water and wastewater services, staff from all three councils have been working together to prepare the joint WSDP for adoption by each council. The plan outlines how the councils will deliver drinking water, wastewater, and stormwater services in a financially sustainable way, while meeting regulatory standards and supporting council objectives for housing growth and urban development. Stormwater operations are included in the WSDP but will be ring fenced within each council and operated in line with current legislation and each council’s requirements.

The WSDP must be delivered to the government before 3 September 2025.

In the same council meetings, elected members for each council also adopted a commitment agreement. The agreement is a commitment for the councils to work together to establish the joint CCO and outlines how the councils will work together during its implementation. It sets the framework for collaboration, governance, and financial planning as the CCO moves toward incorporation in July 2026 and full operation by July 2027.

The costs for the implementation phase are to be shared equally by all three councils, with each contributing $500,000. All three councils are actively seeking external funding to offset the cost of setting up the CCO.

More information about Local Water Done Well can be found at:

• Whangārei District Council: www.wdc.govt.nz/Services/Water-services/Local-Water-Done-Well

• Kaipara District Council: www.kaipara.govt.nz/services/water-services/local-water-done-well

• Far North District Council: www.fndc.govt.nz/Whats-New/current-projects/local-water-done-well