Consultation on Water Service Delivery Announced

Formal public consultation will be presented to the public for feedback in early 2025.

Local Water Done Well is central government's direction for water services (drinking water, stormwater and wastewater services).  One of the legislative requirements for all councils is to develop a one-off Water Services Delivery Plan (WSDP) which must include a description of the proposed model or arrangements to deliver water services, including whether this will be achieved alone, or by working with other councils.

In today’s Council meeting, Elected Members resolved Council’s preferred option for the delivery of water services and finalised three options to be included within the public consultation.

1. In-house, stand-alone model (the status quo) for the delivery of water services in the Manawatu district. This is Councils’ preferred option.
2. A multi-council Water Services Council Controlled Organisation jointly between Manawatu District Council and Palmerston North City Council for the delivery of water services in the Manawatu District.
3. A multi-council Water Services Council Controlled Organisation jointly between Manawatu District Council, Palmerston North City Council, Horowhenua District Council and Kapiti Coast District Council for the delivery of water services in the Manawatu district.

The consultation timeline will be confirmed in February 2025.  During the consultation members of the public, industry professionals and other stakeholders are encouraged to submit their feedback.  The feedback gathered will be essential to ensure the final decision for the delivery of water services across the Manawatu district  reflects needs and expectations of the community.

To stay up to date on the Local Water Done Well reform for Manawatū District visit: Local Water Done Well | Make your mark Manawatū