Tararua explores options for sharing three water services with other councils

Tararua District Council is pleased to be collaborating with the Wairarapa councils (South Wairarapa, Carterton and Masterton) and Manawatu-Whanganui councils to explore options for delivering water, stormwater and wastewater (three water services) under the current Government’s initiative “Local Waters Done Well.”

During the initial stages of the previous Three Waters reform, the Government at the time sought to understand the worst-case scenario for all New Zealand councils regarding water-related costs for the next thirty years. Over the past 18 months these projections for Tararua have been significantly revised down. A comparison between the worst-case scenario from nearly two years ago and Tararua’s current position reveals a substantial improvement, with a 60% reduction in the ten-year cost and several new projects now totalling $135 million in today’s dollars.

This has been achieved by developing a realistic work programme that reflects current actual unit pricing, the condition of assets, and reasonable contingencies to manage uncertainties. The next ten years’ work programme is now reflected in Tararua’s adopted Long-Term Plan, forming the basis for assessing collaborative three waters relationships with other councils.

Council is now working through the process of how to best deliver three water services and is considering all the data being presented to respective councils over the coming weeks.

Public communication and consultation are also planned, as any change to how water services are delivered is significant and requires public consultation. A decision on forming any new three waters entity is required by 30 June 2025. The government’s timeframes are tight, and the team is working hard with others to meet these deadlines.

For more information, residents are encouraged to stay tuned for updates and participate in the upcoming consultations.