Local Water Done Well

Update on Water Services Delivery Consultation

Western Bay of Plenty District Council has reached an important milestone in shaping the future of our water services. On 3 March 2025, Council made a decision on a preferred Water Services Delivery Model for community consultation, in line with the Coalition Government's requirements under the Local Water Done Well framework.

The options we're considering are:

• Retaining the current model – Council continues to manage water services independently.
• Single Council Water Services CCO – A new, separate Council Controlled Organisation (CCO) is created to manage water services.
• Joint Council Water Services CCO (preferred option) – A shared entity with potential partners such as Tauranga City Council and/or other councils, ensuring financial and operational sustainability while maintaining local control.

We will provide more details on these options as we approach the consultation period. In the meantime, we encourage residents to stay informed and be ready to share their thoughts when consultation opens.

The decision is an important one for our District and will have consequences for generations to come. That's why we will be coming out to kōrero with the community later in March. Public consultation on the proposed options will take place from 24 March – 24 April 2025. This is your opportunity to have your say on how water services are managed in our District.

Watch the livestream video of Council (below) to hear the discussion around the decision.

Background

Local Water Done Well is the Coalition Government’s plan for managing water services and infrastructure following the repeal of the Water Services Reform legislation (Three Waters) in February 2024. The new legislation aims to improve water quality, secure long-term investment in water infrastructure, and keep control of water services and assets at the local level.

As part of this process, all councils must submit Water Services Delivery Plans by 3 September 2025, outlining future water service arrangements and an implementation plan.

For more info on Local Water Done Well, visit our Your Place page.