For immediate release: Thursday, 14 August 2025
Whakatāne District Council has formally adopted its Water Services Delivery Plan, confirming that water, wastewater and stormwater services will be delivered through a stand-alone, ring-fenced business unit within the Council.
The decision follows extensive community engagement through the Local Water Done Well project, and aligns with new national legislation requiring councils to outline how they will manage water services locally.
Mayor Dr Victor Luca says the plan reflects the community’s strong preference for local decision-making and accountability.
“We heard loud and clear that our community wants water services to remain locally managed, with clear lines of responsibility and transparency,” says Mayor Luca. “This plan ensures we can meet those expectations while complying with new national standards.”
The Water Services Delivery Plan will now be submitted to the Department of Internal Affairs by 3 September 2025. If approved, the Council will begin transition planning to ensure the new delivery model is fully operational by the statutory deadline of 1 July 2028.
Exploring regional partnership
While the Council has committed to a local delivery model, it is also keeping the door open to a regional partnership approach in the future. Whakatāne District Council is continuing discussions with Kawerau District Council, Ōpōtiki District Council and Rotorua Lakes Council about the potential to form a Multi-Council-Controlled Organisation in future. The Water Services Delivery Plan indicates that this will be explored and decided by early 2027 to enable it to be set up by 1 July 2028.
This model would involve transferring water-related assets, revenue and debt to a jointly owned company, while retaining local influence through shared governance and oversight.
“We’re taking a pragmatic approach,” says Mayor Luca. “We’re setting up a strong local model now, but we’re also exploring pathways for working with our neighbouring councils to achieve greater efficiency and resilience in the long term.”
The adopted plan ensures Whakatāne District Council is well-positioned to meet future regulatory requirements while continuing to deliver safe, reliable and affordable water services for the community.
Those wanting to find out more about this project can visit the Local Water Done Well project page: Local Water Done Well | Whakatāne District Council.