Wairoa’s future water plans can continue to move ahead following confirmation that a Department of Internal Affairs assessment panel has approved Wairoa’s Water Services Delivery Plan.

The acceptance marks a major milestone under the Local Government (Water Services Preliminary Arrangements) Act 2024, confirming the Wairoa plan meets all statutory, financial and technical requirements for sustainable delivery of drinking water, wastewater and stormwater services.

Wairoa District Council Chief Executive Matt Lawson said the Council unanimously supports delivering future Wairoa water services through a local standalone Council Controlled Organisation (CCO), and receiving endorsement of this approach is a significant step forward.

“The Government’s reform of water services (Local Water Done Well) is a fundamental shift in how future water services are delivered to communities. Wairoa’s approach is a local model that retains control of decision-making, giving Wairoa more flexibility as the master of its own destiny, and having the ability to meet Wairoa’s unique needs.”

Mr Lawson thanked Council staff for their tremendous input and for working with the Department of Internal Affairs (DIA) to provide the necessary information to progress the plan for local water delivery.

“Our Council has acknowledged that while future affordability issues remain a genuine concern, there are clear indications of cost efficiencies for Wairoa by going it alone.

“DIA staff have visited Wairoa and inspected our wastewater and water supply infrastructure, informing us that it was in better condition than they had expected, considering its age. Because our infrastructure has been well managed and maintained, this will help with future costings and again demonstrates that the standalone model has cost efficiencies for local water users.”

“Council is focused on achieving efficiencies and, where possible, reducing costs for consumers and is open to working with other water entities from other districts and supports negotiating a heads of agreement outlining potential areas of cooperation and coordination with the Gisborne District Council, particularly as there are synergies between the Wairoa and Gisborne water treatment systems.”

Mr Lawson said that other key factors cited in selecting a local delivery option included protecting localised arrangements, such as the water partnership with the local processing plant Affco, and improved social benefits through a local model.

A likely scenario could see a new entity formed and governed by three directors specialising in engineering, financial and local knowledge, a manager and local operational expertise, based on the ground in Wairoa. A core principle of the Local Water Done Well model is the operational and financial separation of the water entities from local councils. Water entities under the Local Water Done Well reform pay for themselves primarily through direct charges to consumers for water services and by borrowing money to fund long-term infrastructure investment. 

Council is now focused on establishing the standalone CCO by 01.07.27, with the Council continuing to deliver three waters services in the meantime.

To view the full Wairoa Water Services Delivery Plan head to www.wairoadc.govt.nz

15 December 2025

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