Waikato Water Done Well

The South Waikato District Council has approved Waikato Water Done Well as its preferred option for the future management of water services, in response to the Government’s Local Water Done Well reform.

The community are now invited to provide feedback on the preferred option, which is a multi-Council approach involving South Waikato, Waipā, Matamata-Piako, Waitomo, Ōtorohanga, Hauraki, and Taupō District Councils.

Council has investigated the options available thoroughly and deemed that a Council-Controlled Organisation (CCO) makes the most sense, both financially and in terms of quality service delivery for our communities, but need feedback from our community before making any final decisions.

Waikato Water Done Well allows Council to retain the equity of our assets through our shareholding and retain influence on what work occurs in the District through the statement of expectations to the Board.

Financial modelling also suggests that Waikato Water Done Well will present a reduced burden on ratepayers compared to other options.

You can find out more about Waikato Water Done Well in the consultation document and by visiting www.waikatowaters.co.nz.

As the Government requires councils to present information about other options considered, the preferred option is being presented to the community alongside the current approach (running water services delivery out of an internal business unit or division), although analysis to date suggests that maintaining the status quo is not considered to be a financially sustainable option.