Waimate District Decides to Chart its Own Destiny

Waimate District Council has decided to retain direct control of drinking water, wastewater and stormwater services, deciding on an in-house delivery model as part of the Government’s Local Water Done Well reforms.

The decision follows years of hard work, expert analysis and overwhelming community support. Public consultation received 246 submissions with over 87 percent of submitters supporting Council control of water services. This will allow Council to continue investing in water infrastructure and achieving outcomes best for our communities.

Mayor Craig Rowley says, “This is local democracy in action. At the beginning of consultation, we told the community that this is your water, and it will be your decision. We’ve kept our promise.”

He said, “Our residents and ratepayers told us that they value affordability and community influence. At the same time, they want us to continue investing in our water services for the future.”

The Local Water Done Well framework requires Council to submit a Water Services Delivery Plan (WSDP) to the Department of Internal Affairs by 3 September 2025. Council will now focus on preparing this plan. It will outline how our proposed water services delivery model will sustainably deliver and fund our water services while meeting the Government’s stringent regulatory and financial requirements.

Council wants to thank everyone who got involved, asked questions and shared their voice to this vital conversation. This decision by Council is not the end, but the beginning of a new and challenging but exciting journey.