Latest news with #WaterServicesDeliveryPlan
Scoop
5 days ago
- Business
- Scoop
Coast Councils Forge Ahead With Plans For Water Service Delivery Under Local Water Done Well
Buller, Grey and Westland District Councils are set to form a multi-council-controlled organisation for water services delivery under the coalition government's Local Water Done Well legislation. Buller District Council voted in favour of a joint Water Services Council Controlled Organisation (WSCCO) at an Extraordinary Council meeting on 30 June 2025, with Grey District Council following suit on 3 July 2025, and Westland reaching the same decision yesterday. Now a consensus has been reached, the councils will begin work together on a joint Water Services Delivery Plan in accordance with the coalition government's Local Water Done Well reform. This plan must be submitted to the Department of Internal Affairs for approval by 3 September 2025. The new arrangements are expected to start coming into effect from 1 July 2027. Buller District Council Chief Executive Simon Pickford says: 'By teaming up with our regional partners, we will be combining our technical expertise and sharing services to deliver reliable, cost-effective water solutions that meet the requirements of the legislation. 'Working together unlocks efficiencies we couldn't achieve alone, and we're excited to further enhance our working relationship with the councils on the Coast.' Grey District Council chief executive Joanne Soderlund says: 'This agreement reflects our shared commitment to delivering water services that meet the requirements of the Local Water Done Well framework. By collaborating regionally, we're building a platform for more resilient, efficient infrastructure and achieving better value for our ratepayers.' Westland District Council Chief Executive Barbara Phillips says: 'By working together with our neighbouring councils through a shared Council Controlled Organisation, we're ensuring Westland residents continue to receive safe, affordable, and sustainable water services, something we could not achieve alone. 'This collaborative approach allows us to meet regulatory standards, share expertise, and invest in future-proofed infrastructure while retaining local control and ownership.'
1News
5 days ago
- Politics
- 1News
'Torches' and 'pitchforks': Rotorua council's turbulent water debate
Rotorua Lakes Council has thrashed out two proposals that will shape the city's future approach to water and treated wastewater services. But it was not straightforward in the meeting on Wednesday, with councillor Robert Lee's suggestion to dump treated wastewater into a stream rebuked by fellow councillors, and debates over mana whenua and te ao Māori principles. Rotorua's current wastewater system uses spray irrigation in the Whakarewarewa Forest under a temporary agreement until 2026. The council was voting on whether to establish a Recovered Water Working Group to assess alternatives and recommend a new permanent discharge method by early 2027. The vote was divided into two sections, with the criteria and values of a working group to consider as well as the weighting of those values. ADVERTISEMENT Lee labelled the process "overly complex and complicated" and any working group a "recipe for disaster". Councillor Robert Lee of Rotorua Lakes Council. (Source: Local Democracy Reporting) He suggested a simple solution existed, which was to drain treated wastewater into Puarenga Stream. He said this would be the "cheapest solution" for ratepayers. Councillor Gregg Brown said that would be a "pretty quick" way to end up in the Environment Court. Councillor Don Paterson then suggested the people of Ngapuna would be "lighting torches and coming with pitchforks" should that be the plan. Councillor Conan O'Brien insisted a complete consensus on the issue was unlikely, before Mayor Tania Tapsell emphasised a need to go "above and beyond" to ensure all wastewater decision-making was made in the public eye. Rotorua Lakes Council Mayor Tania Tapsell. (Source: Local Democracy Reporting) ADVERTISEMENT Councillor Lani Kereopa also expressed her concerns about the plan putting costs ahead of mana whenua engagement. She and Lee both voted against the criteria and values. Councillors were asked to vote on how to prioritise the outcomes the working group should focus on. One option gave more weight to financial and practical concerns, assigning 35% each to total lifecycle cost and implementation risk, while giving just 10% each to relationships with mana whenua, community acceptance and environmental outcomes. The alternative was to treat all five areas equally at 20% each. Most councillors supported the first option with the heavier weighting on cost and risk. However, Kereopa, Paterson and Trevor Maxwell voted against it, raising concerns that mana whenua engagement was being undervalued. Lee abstained. There was more heated debate as councillors confirmed the Water Services Delivery Plan. The plan, required by the Government's Local Water Done Well legislation, stated Rotorua would continue managing water services in-house until at least 2028. ADVERTISEMENT Meanwhile, the council would explore forming a joint water services organisation with neighbouring councils, then make a final service delivery model decision in 2027. Lee signalled an intention to abstain from voting, saying he was sceptical of the ability of a council-controlled organisation to deliver and of some wording around te ao Māori and mana whenua. He highlighted a recent agreement with Ngāti Kearoa-Ngāti Tuara over Karamū Tākina Springs, which supply 60% of the city's drinking water, saying it meant rates rises for constituents. Despite their concerns about changes being forced upon them by central government, Lee's abstention was rebuked by Brown and O'Brien. Councillor Gregg Brown. (Source: Local Democracy Reporting) "For a mayoral candidate to sit on the fence is not great fella," said Brown. "Abstain? Come on. You've got all the information make a decision." "I won't be abstaining despite my concerns," said O'Brien. "Because I am here to make decisions. I believe that is why people put me here. Not just to blab, continue on and sit on the fence and not make a decision or follow principles." ADVERTISEMENT Lee suggested abstaining was one of three voting options, along with yes and no. 'Continuing bashing of Māori and iwi' Tapsell said his voting options were yes or no and that abstaining was considered a non-vote. The mayor praised council staff for putting together a "strategic document', which gave the council time and opportunity to decrease costs and ensure they make the right long-term decision. She then called out Lee for what she described as his "continuing bashing of Māori and iwi". Tapsell suggested the Karamū Tākina Springs agreement potentially saved a sum approaching $100 million. Lee's attempt to raise a point of order in response was shot down by Tapsell, who gave him one more chance to "please be quiet" to allow the meeting to continue. ADVERTISEMENT The motion then carried, with Lee abstaining and Paterson voting against – believing it was unfair Rotorua be treated the same as other areas with poorer performing water systems. Tapsell and Lee previously confirmed to Local Democracy Reporting they would run for mayor in the October election. By Matthew Nash, Local Democracy Reporter LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air
NZ Herald
6 days ago
- Politics
- NZ Herald
Rotorua councillors debate wastewater discharge plans
The vote was divided into two sections, with the criteria and values of a working group to consider as well as the weighting of those values. Lee labelled the process 'overly complex and complicated' and any working group a 'recipe for disaster'. He suggested a simple solution existed, which was to drain treated wastewater into Puarenga Stream. He said this would be the 'cheapest solution' for ratepayers. Councillor Gregg Brown said that would be a 'pretty quick' way to end up in the Environment Court. Councillor Don Paterson then suggested the people of Ngapuna would be 'lighting torches and coming with pitchforks' should that be the plan. Councillor Don Paterson. Photo / Laura Smith Councillor Conan O'Brien insisted a complete consensus on the issue was unlikely, before Mayor Tania Tapsell emphasised a need to go 'above and beyond' to ensure all wastewater decision-making was made in the public eye. Councillor Lani Kereopa also expressed her concerns about the plan putting costs ahead of mana whenua engagement. She and Lee both voted against the criteria and values. Councillors were asked to vote on how to prioritise the outcomes the working group should focus on. One option gave more weight to financial and practical concerns, assigning 35% each to total lifecycle cost and implementation risk, while giving just 10% each to relationships with mana whenua, community acceptance and environmental outcomes. The alternative was to treat all five areas equally at 20% each. Most councillors supported the first option with the heavier weighting on cost and risk. However, Kereopa, Paterson and Trevor Maxwell voted against it, raising concerns that mana whenua engagement was being undervalued. Lee abstained. There was more heated debate as councillors confirmed the Water Services Delivery Plan. Puarenga Stream. Photo / Ben Fraser The plan, required by the Government's Local Water Done Well legislation, stated Rotorua would continue managing water services in-house until at least 2028. Meanwhile, the council would explore forming a joint water services organisation with neighbouring councils, then make a final service delivery model decision in 2027. Lee signalled an intention to abstain from voting, saying he was sceptical of the ability of a council-controlled organisation to deliver and of some wording around te ao Māori and mana whenua. He highlighted a recent agreement with Ngāti Kearoa-Ngāti Tuara over Karamū Tākina Springs, which supply 60% of the city's drinking water, saying it meant rates rises for constituents. Councillor Gregg Brown. Photo / Andrew Warner Despite their concerns about changes being forced upon them by central government, Lee's abstention was rebuked by Brown and O'Brien. 'For a mayoral candidate to sit on the fence is not great fella,' said Brown. 'Abstain? Come on. You've got all the information make a decision.' 'I won't be abstaining despite my concerns,' said O'Brien. 'Because I am here to make decisions. I believe that is why people put me here. Not just to blab, continue on and sit on the fence and not make a decision or follow principles.' Lee suggested abstaining was one of three voting options, along with yes and no. Tapsell said his voting options were yes or no and that abstaining was considered a non-vote. Rotorua Mayor Tania Tapsell. Photo / Laura Smith The mayor praised council staff for putting together a 'strategic document', which gave the council time and opportunity to decrease costs and ensure they make the right long-term decision. She then called out Lee for what she described as his 'continuing bashing of Māori and iwi'. Tapsell suggested the Karamū Tākina Springs agreement potentially saved a sum approaching $100 million. Lee's attempt to raise a point of order in response was shot down by Tapsell, who gave him one more chance to 'please be quiet' to allow the meeting to continue. The motion then carried, with Lee abstaining and Paterson voting against – believing it was unfair Rotorua be treated the same as other areas with poorer performing water systems. Tapsell and Lee previously confirmed to Local Democracy Reporting they would run for mayor in the October election. Mathew Nash is a Local Democracy Reporting journalist based at the Rotorua Daily Post. He has previously written for SunLive, been a regular contributor to RNZ and was a football reporter in the UK for eight years. - LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air.
Scoop
16-07-2025
- Business
- Scoop
Tauranga City Council Postpones Decision On Water Services Delivery
Tauranga City Council has postponed its decision to confirm a preferred delivery model for future water services. While Council was expected to make a decision on Monday, it opted instead to leave the report on the table to allow time for further discussions with the community prior to making a decision. The decision comes after Thames Coromandel District Council signalled it wished to progress alongside Tauranga City Council and Western Bay of Plenty District Council in a multi-council CCO at the end of April when Tauranga City Council's public consultation had already concluded. Tauranga City Council Mayor, Mahé Drysdale says Council has been very open to working with any Council that provides mutually beneficial outcomes. 'Western Bay of Plenty District Council has always been our preferred partner, but we have had conversations with a number of councils and worked through different scenarios. 'Off the back of that scenario modelling, we now have two councils that we could progress with, Western Bay of Plenty District Council, whom we consulted alongside in April, and more recently Thames Coromandel District Council.' 'The involvement of Thames Coromandel District Council is a relatively recent development and before making a decision, and moving to due diligence, we need to update our community about our potential new partner and ensure the community is fully informed,' Mahé says. 'Although a delay could compress the time required for submitting a Water Services Delivery Plan by 3 September, it is important that we get this right." 'We look forward to continuing to engage with all of our people and appreciate any feedback on how we can make Tauranga better.' A decision on Council's preferred delivery model is now expected on 5 August 2025. If a multi-council CCO was preferred, Council would also need to approve a Commitment Agreement, which would allow councils to work together and undertake a due diligence process that assesses a joint operating model. The establishment of any multi-council CCO would be subject to all parties being satisfied with the outcomes of the due diligence process, and any council could choose to withdraw if it was dissatisfied with its findings. Te Awanui Ward Councillor Hēmi Rolleston says it was appropriate to postpone the decision. 'This is one of the most important decisions this Council will make. Therefore, to leave this decision for a further three weeks is a practical decision, based on feedback from Iwi that they require more time, particularly with the relatively late inclusion of Thames Coromandel District Council.' Community event The Mayor and Councillors will be holding an information and Q&A session with the community about Local Water Done Well on Thursday, 24 July from 5-6pm at the University of Waikato in the Te Manawaroa Room. Free parking will be available from 4.30pm on the day at the council parking building on Spring Street. Notes: Local Water Done Well is the New Zealand government's plan to reform how water services are managed and to tackle the country's significant water infrastructure challenges. During public consultation in April 2025 a total of 726 people provided submissions addressing 'Why wai matters: Local Water Done Well', via council's online submissions form.
Scoop
15-07-2025
- Business
- Scoop
Ruapehu And Whanganui To Form Joint Water Services Entity
Ruapehu District Council (RDC) will join with Whanganui District Council (WDC) to form a two-council Water Services Council-Controlled Organisation (WS-CCO) to deliver future water services under the Government's Local Water Done Well reform programme. RDC had voted to support the two-council WS-CCO model at its meeting on 9 July, with the decision contingent on WDC confirming its preference to partner with Ruapehu. That confirmation came today, with WDC elected members voting 8–5 in favour of the joint model. Chief Executive Clive Manley welcomed the confirmation and said it was an important milestone that enables both councils to begin work on the detailed planning and implementation. 'This has been a long and complex process, and a significant amount of work has gone into getting us to this point,' said Mr Manley. 'Now that we have clarity and agreement from both councils, staff can progress the necessary steps to implement the new water services delivery model. Until we had confirmation of our partner council, there were key aspects we simply couldn't move forward on.' The immediate priority will be the development of a joint Water Services Delivery Plan (WSDP) with WDC. This plan must demonstrate how the proposed two-council WS-CCO meets the Government's legislative requirements - particularly around financial sustainability - and must be submitted to the Minister of Local Government for approval by 3 September 2025. 'Given ministerial approval of the WSDP, Council staff will be working closely with Whanganui to operationalise the new WS-CCO as quickly as possible,' said Mr Manley. 'The target is for the WS-CCO to be fully operational by mid-2027. In the meantime, water users in Ruapehu will continue to be serviced by our existing provider, Veolia, with no change to service levels.' Mr Manley noted that WDC had also voted to include stormwater services in the new WS-CCO. Ruapehu is still considering whether to transfer its stormwater services or retain them in-house. This decision will not impact the establishment of the WS-CCO. 'We'll make a decision on stormwater in due course, but it doesn't prevent us from moving forward with the rest of the WS-CCO implementation,' he said. Mr Manley added that this partnership builds on the strong history of collaboration between the two councils. 'This new water services partnership adds to a growing list of shared services between Ruapehu and Whanganui. Both councils are committed to continuing to explore opportunities that improve efficiency and reduce costs for our communities.'
