Next steps towards a preferred option for water services delivery

On Friday 13 December, Council will confirm which of three possible options it will identify as preferred to take forward for public consultation on delivery of water services for Waikato District. 

The report is now available online and the recommendation from staff is for the design of a joint CCO with Hamilton City Council.  

This is by no means a final decision, explained Waikato District Council chief executive, Gavin Ion, Councillors will debate the merits of the possible options before making a decision about which will go to public consultation when they meet on Friday. 

Council is evaluating two options for design of a joint Council-Controlled Organisation (CCO), either through a joint CCO with Hamilton City Council or with other councils in the region who have made the commitment to Waikato Water Done Well CCO. 

The new waters legislation also requires councils to table the ‘status quo’ option which, for Waikato District, is that of a contract with an external provider of water services. 

“An advantage of a Hamilton City Council water services partnership would be to strengthen how we work together to support cross-boundary growth and development for our subregion,” said Mr. Ion.  

Key areas of growth and increased demand like Ngaaruawaahia, Taupiri, Ruakura, Hopuhopu, Horotiu and Te Kowhai would be significant considerations for future services through a CCO formed jointly with Hamilton City.  

Community consultation on the preferred and alternative options is planned for March and April 2025.  

After that, Council will be able to make its final decision and get underway with finalising a Water Services Delivery Plan, which will go to government for approval by September 2025.