Public consultation has opened on Christchurch City Council’s proposed response to the Government’s Local Water Done Well reform.
Council has evaluated three options in an Indicative Business Case – an in-house delivery model, a Three Waters Council-Controlled Organisation, and a Two Waters (water supply and wastewater) Council-Controlled Organisation.
Mayor, Phil Mauger says it’s now time to hear what residents think of the options.
“Christchurch is well-placed for the future with three potential models that would work well for our city,” said the Mayor.
“Financially sustainable water services are possible under all of the models we’ve looked at, however our Indicative Business Case points to the in-house model as the best option for Christchurch and that’s why it’s our proposal.
“Each model has unique benefits and drawbacks we want people to consider, and public feedback is crucial before any decision is made.”
The Council is asking residents to consider the benefits and disadvantages of the proposed model and the alternative options and tell them which they support.
- – In-house model (our proposal). The Council would retain direct control for managing water services through its existing structure with financial ring-fencing.
- – Three Waters Council-Controlled Organisation. An independent entity owned by the Council would focus exclusively on water services, with its own governance and operational structure.
- – Two Waters Council-Controlled Organisation. A hybrid approach that balances independent management of water supply and wastewater, with Council oversight and management of stormwater.
- Following consultation, Councils are required to select a proposed water service delivery model as part of a Water Services Delivery Plan which must be finalised and submitted to the Department of Internal Affairs by September 2025. Consultation is open until Sunday 6 April.
Read Council’s consultation document.
