Waipā District Council today signalled its preference to join with six other Waikato councils to form a Council Controlled Organisation for the future delivery of water and wastewater services.
Tap water. Photo: Steve Johnson, pexels.com
At a public workshop, elected members considered detailed information about two potential options – a regional option known as Waikato Water Done Well, or a subregional option partnering with Hamilton City and Waikato District Councils.
The six other councils who have signed a non-binding Heads of Agreement with Waikato Waters Done Well are Waitomo, Ōtorohanga, Matamata Piako, Hauraki, South Waikato and Taupō. Those councils are also going through their decision-making processes.
Under the Government’s Local Water Done Well legislation, all councils across New Zealand are required to produce a water services delivery plan by September this year, with a focus on financial sustainability and meeting quality standards.
Mayor Susan O’Regan at a recent meeting.
Mayor Susan O’Regan said the decision about the future delivery of water services was complex, large and impactful.
“This is a once in a lifetime change, there is no set precedent, and the legislation is still evolving as we move through this process,” she said.
“It is our council’s strongly held desire that in the long term, we end up with one Waikato waters entity. But in the short-to-medium term, our focus is on what we think is best for Waipā, what is most affordable for our communities, what will give greatest investment certainty, ensure a strong future workforce and enhance environmental outcomes.”
In addition, the council could not underestimate the power of the Government’s focus on promoting economic growth, delivering infrastructure and improving the supply of quality housing through regional deals.
“This sends a strong signal to central government that we also want what is best for the Waikato and see enormous value in collaborative partnerships.”
No decisions can be made in council workshops.
The council will be asked to make a formal decision on its preferred option at its meeting on February 26 before consultation is undertaken with the community from March 21.
