Waitaki Water Services Delivery Plan accepted

Published on 02 July 2026

Waitaki District Council is welcoming confirmation from the Department of Internal Affairs (DIA) that its amended Water Services Delivery Plan (WSDP) has been accepted, setting a clear, affordable and sustainable pathway for the future delivery of drinking water, wastewater and stormwater services across the district.

The accepted plan will see Southern Waters, a joint Council Controlled Organisation owned by Waitaki, Central Otago, Gore and Clutha district councils, take responsibility for Waitaki’s water services, charging and infrastructure from 1 July 2027.

For the community, the decision provides greater certainty after years of national water reform, and confirms a model expected to lead to lower water charges for local households compared with keeping water services in-house. It will also support the major investment needed in treatment plants, pipes, stormwater networks and ageing infrastructure, helping ensure safe, reliable and resilient water services for current and future generations.

Mayor Mel Tavendale said acceptance of the plan was an important milestone for Waitaki and reflected months of focused work by Councillors and Council staff following DIA’s rejection of Council’s earlier in-house proposal.

“This is a significant step forward for Waitaki,” Mayor Tavendale said. “The accepted plan provides a more affordable future for water services, gives our community certainty, and brings to a close nearly ten years of reform and uncertainty following the Havelock North water contamination incident in 2016.

“This outcome is about putting the community first. It means households have a clearer view of how essential water services will be delivered and funded, while Council can plan with greater confidence for the infrastructure Waitaki needs.

“I want to acknowledge the Councillors who worked through complex discussions with neighbouring councils, and the Council staff whose technical, financial, policy, communications and operational expertise has been critical to getting this plan accepted. Their commitment, professionalism and hard work have helped secure a better outcome for our community.”

Chief Executive Alex Parmley said the decision would help manage the financial pressure water investment has placed on Council budgets, services and rates in recent years.

“Successive Government reforms have required councils to invest more in water infrastructure and meet higher standards,” Mr Parmley said. “Waitaki has already borrowed to invest in treatment plants, pipework and stormwater, and around $80 million of water-related debt is expected to transfer to Southern Waters next year. That will leave Council with net debt of around $20 million and put water investment on a more sustainable footing.

“Joining Southern Waters allows Waitaki to retain public ownership of water services through a council-owned organisation, while sharing specialist capability, regulatory costs and investment capacity with partner councils. It is the most affordable way to deliver the considerable investment still required to meet legally binding water standards and renew ageing infrastructure, and it reflects the careful work staff have done to test options and protect the long-term interests of ratepayers.”

Waitaki District Council has published the letter from the Secretary of Local Government, and its accepted Water Services Delivery Plan, on its website below

Waitaki District Council - Water Services Delivery Plan - June 6 2026(PDF, 20MB)

Letter from Secretary for Local Government(PDF, 86KB)

ENDS

media@waitaki.govt.nz