Tararua District Council are responding to new laws and the Governments “Local Water Done Well” policy and are looking at different ways to deliver water services in the future. Options include to join as a Council Controlled Organisation (CCO) with Wairarapa councils (South Wairarapa, Carterton, and Masterton), or Manawatū- Whanganui councils, or continue to operate as a standalone CCO.

Small provincial councils with similar characteristics, networks and values meet our need for Tararua to have a voice protecting us from not being lost in a large entity while delivering better value for residents. Other benefits of a multi-council approach include a stronger negotiating position, better access to funding, and more efficient and consistent service delivery.

We need to consider important factors such as the financial impact on water users, and the pros and cons of collaborating with neighbouring councils.

We have our own plans to address the current state of drinking water, wastewater and stormwater that are financially sustainable and support housing growth. These have been shared and are being built into both models to assess the best option for Tararua. Although no decision has been made yet, it seems sensible for a small council like Tararua to look at the best collaborative option. Working with other councils could help deliver water services more efficiently and cost-effectively.

Other advantages of joining other councils include having a stronger negotiating position, having improved access to funding, and combining resources leading to more efficient and consistent service delivery.

Councils are required by Christmas to decide on their preferred options and consult early next year.

These issues will be discussed in public meetings over the next few months across councils, and the Tararua District Council will likely decide on its preferred options in December 2024. Public consultations are then planned for February 2025 to gain feedback from our communities on the options provided. As mentioned, these may include both single and multi-council CCO’s.

The final decision on forming any new water entity must be made by 30 June 2025, and the sustainable water services delivery plan must be approved by the government by August 2025.