Upper Hutt votes to continue collaboration on regional water services
Published on 06 November 2024
Upper Hutt councillors gave their full support for working with other councils in the region on joint water services planning and delivery at yesterday’s council meeting.
In December 2023, the Government announced a new direction for water services policy and legislation with Local Water Done Well.
Local Water Done Well recognises the importance of local decision making and flexibility for communities and councils to determine how water services will be delivered, while meeting economic, environmental and water quality regulatory requirements.
As part of this process and the new legislation, all councils must develop comprehensive water service delivery plans to be submitted for Government approval by September 2025.
Two important requirements of the legislation are that plans be financially sustainable and meet all regulatory compliance requirements for water services. A third bill is expected to be released in December 2024 setting out further legislative details.
Nine councils in the Wellington region, along with Horowhenua District Council, have been working together since March 2024 to respond to the new Local Water Done Well policy.
The group received a report in early October recommending a regional approach for a new joint council owned company.
The company could have a similar structure to a council-controlled organisation (CCO) and would also have access to significantly higher levels of debt funding than councils can currently access.
Mayor Wayne Guppy says yesterday’s decision was the first step in continuing to work together with other councils in the region.
“We know the costs for future water services are likely to be significant, but we must get this right to overcome water infrastructure issues,” he says.
“The aim is to develop a water service delivery plan that is workable, financially sustainable, and meets the needs of communities and the environment.”
The details of the proposed water service delivery model and options available to meet the Government requirements will be put to the community with a consultation planned for early 2025.
Mayor Guppy says the community and mana whenua will be asked for their views and their voices will be considered in the process.
“Councils working together, and with mana whenua, is likely the best way forward. By pooling our resources and tackling these issues together we can secure the future of our water infrastructure for generations to come,” he says.
“There is a lot of work still to do to develop the plan and collectively prepare to potentially establish a new water organisation.
“Significant investment is needed in our water infrastructure over the coming decades to make sure councils can enable growth, provide safe drinking water and be resilient to emergency and weather-related events.”
More information about Local Water Done Well is available on our website: https://www.upperhutt.govt.nz/Home/Tabs/Council/Your-Council/Plans-policies-bylaws-and-reports/Local-Water-Done-Well-Reform