Whanganui to have say on joint water entity

Published on 13 March 2025

From Monday 17 March, Whanganui District Council will consult with the community on a preferred option for water services delivery in our district. This comes as a response to Government’s new plan for managing New Zealand’s drinking water, wastewater and stormwater services, known as Local Water Done Well.

“Like all district and city councils around New Zealand, central government requires us to choose a delivery model for our water assets,” says Whanganui Mayor, Andrew Tripe.

“Although the Whanganui district is in good shape compared to many other councils, across the country, change is necessary in the way that our water assets are managed.”

“While Local Water Done Well started as a government mandate, it also presents an exciting opportunity for collaboration and fostering innovation as we decide on a water services delivery model for our district in the future."

The council has put forward four delivery models for our community, all of which meet the Government’s requirements for financial resilience, affordability for ratepayers, and the ability to meet new compliance and regulatory standards.

The models include the status-quo (in house), a Whanganui District Council controlled organisation, a multi council-controlled organisation with Rangitīkei and Ruapehu district councils and another with as many councils in the Manawatū-Whanganui region as possible.

Of the four models, Whanganui District Council’s preferred is the development of a multi council-controlled organisation with Rangitīkei and Ruapehu district councils. This organisation would manage the delivery of water services for all three districts.

“A partnership with our closest neighbours, Ruapehu and Rangitīkei, prioritises local voice at the decision-making table.”

“It also achieves a larger scale, which leads to greater borrowing power, helping to keep costs to the ratepayer lower over the medium to longer term.”

In addition, a larger organisation provides the opportunity to improve compliance monitoring and protects skilled local jobs. The three district councils would also retain ownership of water assets, as there are legal restrictions against privatisation. 

Community feedback on the preferred water services delivery model will then inform the council’s decision on a Water Services Delivery Plan. A Water Services Delivery Plan is a way for council to demonstrate its commitment to deliver water services that meet new and existing regulatory requirements, support growth and urban development, and are financially sustainable.

Visit the Have Your Say page from Monday, 17 March to find out more and to make a submission on the delivery of water services in Whanganui. Submit on your preferred model by 5.00pm on Monday, 14 April.