Thames-Coromandel District Council has voted not to sign the non-binding Waikato Water Done Well agreement exploring establishing a joint Waikato council-controlled organisation to deliver water services.
Tap water. Photo: Steve Johnson, pexels.com
Ōtorohanga and Taupo district council has voted to sign the agreement with Matamata-Piako District Council, South Waikato District Council, Waipā District Council and Waitomo District Council.
Thames Coromandel also voted to continue working on modelling activities.
“Without that modelling information it’s very hard to make final decisions,” councillor Martin Rodley told The News. “We did not see the need to rush into Waikato Water Done Well. We wanted to keep our options open.”
Under Local Water Done Well legislation, all councils are required to produce a water services delivery plan by September, ensuring future delivery is financially sustainable and meets quality standards.
Thames-Coromandel District Council members also decided to explore synergies through shared working arrangements with neighbouring Hauraki District Council and explore joint water service opportunities with Hamilton and Tauranga city councils.
Thames-Coromandel mayor Len Salt, in a statement, said decisions would follow community consultation and be announced around April 2025.
An independent review showed Thames-Coromandel District Council was in a relatively good position with reasonable assets and lower relative debt compared to some councils.
Max Baxter
Ōtorohanga mayor Max Baxter said engineering consultants Beca had shown his district could probably provide water services as a standalone entity.
Waikato District Council identified Hamilton City Council as its preferred water partner last Friday but has not ruled out joining Waikato Water Done Well. It will consult with ratepayers in March.
Hamilton City Council has opted out of Waikato Water Done Well but made it clear last week Waipā District Council was still welcome to join it.
Waipā mayor Susan O’Regan said, in a statement, the decision was critical.
“The good news is that we have options – it’s a great position to be in. But it makes our decision harder as there is a lot of information to take into account, and no time to waste.”
Hauraki District Council was to discuss whether to sign the agreement yesterday. (December 18).
Water. Photo: Pixabay
