Local Water Done Well
“Local Water Done Well” is the Coalition Government’s plan for managing water services delivery and infrastructure following the repeal of Water Services Reform legislation (Three Waters) in February 2024.
"Local Water Done Well" is a new policy/legislation aimed at addressing concerns about New Zealand’s water quality and water services’ infrastructure investment, while keeping control over water services and assets local.
Government has advised that two bills will be put forward to establish “Local Water Done Well”. The first bill (expected mid-2024) will set out guidelines relating to how councils will manage water services and water costs through the transition. It will also make it easier for councils to establish council-controlled organisations (CCOs) under the Local Government Act 2002. The second bill (expected mid-2025) will provide for the long-term framework of managing water services, including required guidelines for long-term financial sustainability, a complete economic system for controlling water-related costs, and a new range of structural and financing tools, including a new type of financially independent council-controlled organisation.
We are currently exploring all options after the repeal of previous three waters legislation.
This page is where you can keep up to date with the latest Local Water Done Well announcements from both the Government and Council - what's new, what's coming up and what it means for the Western Bay.