In December 2023 the Coalition Government announced a new direction for water services policy and legislation covering drinking water, wastewater and stormwater, which is called Local Water Done Well.
The Department of Internal Affairs (DIA) then provided councils with information about the Local Water Done Well policy decisions.
Read the DIA’s information for councils.
DIA gave five examples of service delivery models, including a modified status quo (in-house council department), a single council controlled organisation (CCO), a joint CCO with other councils, and two types of trusts.
Former Minister of Local Government Hon Simeon Brown also provided information on Local Water Done Well stage 2: Establishing the framework and transitional arrangement for the new water services system.
Read the letter from Hon Simeon Brown.
A technical advisory group was also set up to provide expert advice on the implementation of Local Water Done Well.
On 31 October 2024 Marlborough District Council gave approval for staff to work with neighbouring Tasman and Buller district councils to investigate water service delivery options. This allows each council to make the decision on whether to combine resources into a single water entity or to go it alone as individual councils. Nelson City Council had already voted to go it alone under their existing service model.
The new water services delivery and infrastructure model replaces the previous government’s Three Waters legislation and, as part of the reforms, a Water Services Delivery Plan must be provided to DIA by September 2025. The plan must show a commitment to delivering water services to meet regulatory quality standards, be financially sustainable, meet drinking water quality standards and support housing growth and urban development.
Local Water Done Well will be implemented in three stages, each with its own piece of legislation. Options outlinging the benefits and costs will be presented to Council in early April 2025.
Council will then consult with the Marlborough community on a preferred future structure of water service delivery and a second structural option during April 2025. Public feedback will be able to be provided through the Council’s online Engagement Hub.
Go to Council's Have your Say webpage
