Western Bay of Plenty District Council has announced it plans to partner with other councils to deliver local water, wastewater and stormwater services in the future.
This week, Councillors confirmed their intention for a multi-council Water Services Council-Controlled Organisation (WSCCO), voting 8-4 in favour of partnering with Tauranga City Council to deliver local water services, subject to Tauranga’s support.
“However, the decision comes as Tauranga City Council voted for an in-house model, with a proposed start date of 1 July 2028. In contrast, Western Bay has been working toward a 1 July 2027 start for a jointly delivered service, adding a degree of uncertainty to the path ahead,” the Council said in a statement today.
Western Bay’s decision also marks a shift away from a previously considered three-Council partnership with Tauranga City and Thames-Coromandel District Councils.
The Council says that trough discussions with Tauranga Moana and Te Arawa iwi and hapū within the district, their message to Council was that there are unresolved Treaty settlement issues that a partnership with Thames-Coromandel District Council could add to. Councillors heard that message and in recognition of their relationship with Tauranga Moana and Te Arawa, prioritised a partnership with Tauranga City Council moving forward.
“This decision wasn’t made lightly,” says Mayor James Denyer. “It’s clear from the kōrero we’ve had with our community, iwi and hapū that a focused partnership with Tauranga is the most appropriate way forward — one that enables us to deliver high-quality water services while respecting the mana of tangata whenua.”
Mayor James acknowledged the time and commitment Thames-Coromandel District Council has put into the process.
“We greatly value the hard work and good faith Thames-Coromandel has put into this process,” he said.
“While there were strong arguments for an in-house approach, the risks and complexities associated with water services require us to collaborate for long-term sustainability.
“Western Bay’s water services are well-managed today, but our current model does not meet the Government’s new financial sustainability rules. To secure safe and high-quality water services for our communities, we must adopt a financially sustainable and legally compliant delivery model.
The Council said it is now seeking “urgent clarity” on Tauranga’s intentions. This will help determine the next steps for progressing a shared delivery model and ensuring continuity of service planning, the Council steated.
Watch the Council meeting: https://www.youtube.com/live/1AeuDemkz_M?si=EIqGH9j_5JZdY6wn&t=244.
