Taupō District Council has decided not to join Waipā and five other district councils in handing its water services over to Waikato Water Done Well.
He Whare Hono o Tūwharetoa. Photo: Simon Devitt
Taupō councillors decided their preferred option was to keep water services in house and revisit the decision again in 2027 and are taking their decision to consultation. They are also consulting ratepayers on joining other councils in establishing a single Taupō District Council controlled organisation or handing up to 25 per cent of their operations to Waikato Water Done Well.
Susan O’Regan
“It’s no surprise,” said Waipā mayor Susan O’Regan. “I would be lying if I said I was not a little disappointed.
“Realistically if they decided to come on board in 2027, it’s not the end of the world.
“If it’s for strong economic reasons I can understand but if it’s for political reasons that would be a disappointment,” said Ōtorohanga mayor Max Baxter.
Baxter said it would be “extremely beneficial” to all Waikato Waters Done Well councils if Taupō were to join them later.
“I hope they will decide to join,” he said.
John Robertson
Waitomo mayor John Robertson said he had noted Taupo’s preferred option, and they intended revisiting it in 2027
“Taupo is important for it would add further scale to a Waikato Waters collective, but I appreciate the concerns of their elected members. Constructing a new council-controlled organisation will be challenging.”
Hauraki and Matamata-Piako district councils recently picked Waikato Water Done Well as their preferred method, alongside Ōtorohanga, South Waikato, Waipā and Waitomo districts.
“We tested the waters with five different options initially, and Waikato Water Done Well – the collaboration with up to six other Waikato councils, kept surfacing as the most effective and efficient long-term solution for our communities,” said Hauraki mayor Toby Adams.
Matamata-Piako mayor Adrienne Wilcock said the decision about the future delivery of water services was complex, large and impactful.
“This is a legacy decision, and one that council hasn’t taken lightly because we know it will affect generations to come. The costs for delivering water services will be higher, no matter which option we choose – so we need to make a decision that is best for this community in the long term. The Waikato Water Done Well option means working together to deliver better long-term outcomes for our community and the environment. Over time, this will also be the most affordable option for our communities.”
Taupō deputy mayor Kevin Taylor said his council was responding to uncertainty with caution.
“Our proposed preferred option of keeping water services with council for now is the result of a thorough evaluation of key factors, including long-term financial stability, service quality, governance, and potential improvements,” Taylor said in a statement.
Under this option Taylor said Taupō would also explore joining Waikato Water Done Well for some shared services, such as procurement, but retain control of water assets and services.
“No final decision has been made, and we want feedback and input from the community. We need to know what the community priorities are for the future of our water services so we can take those into account as we make this significant decision.”
Choosing one option doesn’t rule out changing to another option later, he said.
“By participating in the initial design phase of Waikato Water, council has ensured that transitioning to a regional entity remains a viable option if it proves best for ratepayers in the future.”
Meanwhile, Hamilton City and Waikato district councils are proceeding to form their own council-controlled water organisation.
Super Seven water assets
