Councils Review Long-Term Options for Shared Water Services

Four Bay of Plenty councils are continuing work on a possible joint water services model as part of the Government’s Local Water Done Well reforms.

Work on a potential joint water services model across Rotorua, Whakatāne, Kawerau and Ōpōtiki is continuing as part of the Government’s Local Water Done Well reforms.

The project involves investigating what a multi-council water services arrangement could look like, including the delivery of drinking water and the management of stormwater and wastewater across the four districts.

Whakatāne District Mayor Nandor Tánczos said the work is complex but focuses on delivering reliable services for the future.

“Engagement with iwi, hapū, other partners and respective communities has been planned as part of the process from the start, so different perspectives can help shape the options as they are developed,” he said.

At a meeting last week, mayors, councillors and technical staff from the four councils reviewed project updates, iwi and hapū involvement, and the next steps in the process.

The group also endorsed a request from representatives of the Eastern Bay of Plenty Iwi Chairs to be involved in the investigations as the work continues.

Further work will now be undertaken to determine the best way for that involvement to occur, with a proposal expected to be presented at the next meeting.

The working group also reviewed 30-year financial modelling, including the varying costs each council currently faces in delivering water services, as well as a separate report on the potential pricing of joint water services.

This modelling is an important part of understanding the possible impacts for each district, Mayor Tánczos said.  

“Every council area is different. The financial modelling helps us understand those differences clearly, so any future option can be considered with eyes wide open.”

A technical report outlining options for a joint service arrangement is expected to be discussed in more detail later this year.

Final decisions on what future joint or separate water services may look like are expected by December 2026.

Once work is completed, the proposed plans will be opened for community consultation. 

“No decision has been made on a future joint model. Once the technical work is complete, the next step will be going out to our communities, explaining the options clearly and listening to feedback," Tánczos said.