A partnership between Horowhenua District Council, Palmerston North City Council, and Rangitīkei District Council to establish a new organisation for delivering three waters services has taken a major step forward after receiving Central Government approval of its joint Water Services Delivery Plan.
The plan sets out how drinking water, wastewater, and stormwater services will be delivered in the future, and outlines the pathway to establishing a jointly-owned water services council-controlled organisation – part of the government’s Local Water Done Well policy.
The new entity also now has a name – Central Districts Water.
“This is exciting news. The partnership will mean water assets remain locally owned, enable councils to meet tougher government regulations, keep costs affordable for our communities, and deliver safe, resilient and sustainable water services,” said Horowhenua Mayor, Bernie Wanden.
“Our plan only needed minor clarifications prior to sign-off, which shows how well thought out it was. I’m looking forward to working with the mayors, chief executives and councillors of all three councils to put it into practice,” says Central Districts Water Executive Director, Chris Dyhrberg.
Rangitīkei Mayor, Andy Watson, said he is excited about the collaboration between the three councils.
“This partnership shows what’s possible when councils work together with a shared purpose,” he said.
“I want to acknowledge all the staff and elected members who’ve been part of this work so far. We’ve laid the foundations for an organisation our communities can be proud of.”
Palmerston North Mayor, Grant Smith said that having an entity name was an important step.
“Over time, we’ll continue to shape and strengthen the Central Districts Water brand identity together – with iwi partners, our communities, and the people the organisation will serve. Our goal is to build a brand that genuinely reflects our place, our values, and our shared commitment to caring for water now and for the future,” he said.
The Councils said work on governance arrangements for the new structure is progressing well, with recruitment for the governing board expected to begin in early 2026.
Central Districts Water is expected to become operational in July 2027, with partner Councils continuing to manage their own water services until then. Once operational, each Council will retain ownership as shareholders of Central Districts Water.
