The Waitaki district mayor and councillors agreed on a preferred option for public consultation regarding the future of local water services, under the government’s Local Water Done Well reform programme, at an extraordinary council meeting on Friday.
Following the presentation of new modelling by Morrison Low, three primary options were considered: an in-house business unit, an external council-owned CCO, and a joint CCO partnership with Central Otago, Clutha and Gore councils.
The proposed Southern Water Done Well partnership marks a shift from the previously explored Otago-Southland model, which did not progress last year.
The modelling also incorporated key elements of the current Local Government (Water Services) Bill, now before Parliament. The Bill outlines changes to the regulatory framework for water delivery, infrastructure, investment, and charges, making it clear that the status quo is no longer viable.
Under the Bill, local councils will be unable to sustain water services without exceeding their financial capacity.
Council members also noted the Bill introduces additional consultation requirements, necessitating a community consultation process on the options presented. This process must be completed before a final decision is made and a water services delivery plan is submitted to the Department of Internal Affairs by September 3.
The council directed the chief executive to explore a fourth potential option: a partnership with Timaru, Mackenzie and Waimate councils. While initial modelling has been done, there has been no firm commitment to this collaboration, unlike the Southern Water Done Well initiative.
Introducing the meeting, Waitaki District Mayor Gary Kircher said "this is talking about what we are going to go out and consult with our community on; this is not a final decision".
"While this is the preferred option, we look forward to hearing back from our community around what their preferences are.
Public consultation will open on May 6, and close on June 9. — APL
