All councils have a responsibility to act in the best interests of their communities, so while respecting Wairoa’s decision yesterday, we remain confident in our belief that a jointly owned Regional council-controlled organisation (Regional CCO) remains the best option for delivering water services to our communities in the future.

From the outset, the government has been quite clear about its expectations for councils to work together to deliver Local Water Done Well legislation.

While a Hawke’s Bay Regional CCO may not solve all of our challenges, it meets those expectations. It will also enable us to work together to improve efficiency in water service delivery across the three council areas, access more borrowing capacity to fund necessary infrastructure upgrades and importantly, give us the best chance of securing the most cost-effective pathway for communities into the future.

Central Hawke’s Bay District Council unanimously voted to progress with the Regional CCO in early July, while Hastings District and Napier City councils are meeting tomorrow, Thursday 31 July to decide their water services delivery model. Feedback received through public consultation is a big factor in guiding these decisions.

Central Hawke’s Bay Mayor – Alex Walker

Hastings Mayor – Sandra Hazlehurst

Napier Mayor – Kirsten Wise

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