Southern Councils unite on Local Water Done Well consultation
Published on 09 May 2025
Four southern councils open consultation today (9 May) on one of the most important issues their communities will face for many years - the future management and delivery of water services.
Clutha, Gore, Waitaki, and Central Otago district councils - who form Southern Water Done Well - will seek feedback on options for water services delivery under the Government’s Local Water Done Well legislation. In their consultation documents, adopted this week, the councils are united in their preferred option for the future, a jointly owned Council Controlled Organisation (CCO).
Southern Water Done Well is the most significant local government partnership in the South Island working to deliver Local Water Done Well, and among the largest in New Zealand.
In a joint statement, the four councils’ mayors said they were committed to working together to deliver a solution that meets evolving community expectations and Local Water Done Well’s new economic, environmental and quality standards.
“We know that prudent and efficient investment and affordability are key concerns for our communities.
“However, the new rules and regulations under Local Water Done Well legislation will increase the costs of water services delivery in the future, no matter which model we choose.”
One thing that has stood out is that the more people who share the cost of water services, the more affordable they become for everyone.
“This issue (the future of water services delivery) is bigger than any one council.”
Southern Water Done Well elected members had set aside parochial views and a patch-protection mentality to focus on getting the best results for their communities, the statement said.
Councils are required to submit a Water Services Delivery Plan to the Government by early September. The plan must show a proposed water services delivery model that builds resilient, sustainable networks and complies with legislation.
The consultation outcome will help inform Southern Water Done Well’s water services delivery plan.
The three options councils are seeking feedback on are:
- Option 1 – a jointly owned Council Controlled Organisation, which is the preferred option
- Option 2 – a stand-alone Council Controlled Organisation
- Option 3 – an in-house business unit
Waitaki District Council is also seeking feedback on a fourth option: forming a CCO with three neighbouring South Canterbury councils.
The councils’ consultation documents analyse each option, including its financial impact, levels of services, and compliance with legislation.
Consultation is open until Friday 6 June.
More information is available on each council’s Southern Water Done Well consultation page.
ENDS