Southern Water Done Well Consultation Set to Launch

Published on 08 May 2025

Waitaki District Council has today approved the Southern Water Done Well consultation document, paving the way for community feedback starting Friday 9 May.

Mayor Gary Kircher says, “Water reform has been on the table for nearly a decade. Now, we have the chance to shape how water services are delivered in our district - in a way that’s financially sustainabe and meets our future infrastructure needs.”

Earlier consultation as part of our Long Term Plan was limited by available data and a lack of confirmed partnerships. “We’ve listened to the community and worked hard to develop clearer, more detailed options for you to consider,” says Mayor Kircher.

The consultation outlines four options for managing Waitaki’s water services:

1. The Southern Water group - A joint Council-Controlled Organisation (CCO) with Clutha, Central Otago and Gore districts (the preferred option)
2. A standalone Waitaki CCO
3. An in-house business unit
4. The South Canterbury group - a joint Council-Controlled Organisation with Mackenzie, Timaru and Waimate districts

None of the options involve status-quo of in-house delivery. The Government reforms require ring-fenced funding, greater transparency, and stronger borrowing capacity to improve water infrastructure and quality. This means change.

This consultation won’t decide the final model, but it’s a vital step. Council must submit a Water Services Delivery Plan to the Department of Internal Affairs by 3 September 2025.