The next step on the way to delivering water services across Napier, Hastings and Central Hawke’s Bay was signed off yesterday.

In separate meetings Napier City Council, Hastings District Council, and Central Hawke’s Bay District Council each formally adopted a joint Water Services Delivery Plan (WSDP). This plan will be submitted to the Government next week, in line with the Local Water Done Well legislative deadline [September 3].

The plan sets out how drinking water, wastewater, and stormwater services will be delivered by the Water Services Council Controlled Organisation (WSCCO) and outlines the pathway to establishing the entity. Owned by the three councils, it will consolidate all water services currently provided by the three councils, serving a population of 144,000 and managing 52,000 water connections.

Ahead of adoption, the councils sought preliminary feedback on the delivery plan from the Department of Internal Affairs, which is overseeing national water reforms. This was to ensure it aligned with government expectations and gave the proposal the highest possible chance of approval.

Hastings Mayor Sandra Hazlehurst says the focus will now turn to the appointment of an establishment board to oversee the transition of services from councils to the combined entity. A new governance group, made up of two councillors from each council plus an independent chair will be responsible for appointing that board.

“All three councils are committed to working together to achieve the best outcomes for all of our residents. This is a once in a generation opportunity to ensure that we get the quality water services we need today, and that the planning of this infrastructure aligns with our region’s growth.”

Napier Mayor Kirsten Wise says adopting this plan marks an important step towards delivering safe, reliable, and more affordable water services for communities.

“The modelling speaks for itself and confirms that doing this together is a better option than going it alone.”

She says moving intergenerational assets into a separate regional entity is not a decision any council took lightly and it’s important to note that all three are aligned in ensuring a strong local voice and robust decision-making remain central to the new organisation.

Central Hawke’s Bay Mayor Alex Walker called the adoption of the plan a significant milestone.

“This is our best chance to turn the challenges of water infrastructure into opportunities for generations to come," Walker said.

She says while affordability remains a big concern in Central Hawke’s Bay, it’s clear the regional model offers the best value and outcomes for connected ratepayers.

Next steps

With the plan now adopted, it will be submitted to the Department of Internal Affairs next week and a response from Government is expected by mid-December.

A new governance group had been convened, made up of representatives of each council plus an independent chair. It would appoint an establishment board, which would recruit a chief executive.

Longer term, the new entity would be overseen by a board of directors, reporting to a shareholders’ forum.

The mayors jointly acknowledged the work of council staff, many of whom have been involved in water reform processes for the past several years, as well as the valuable community input received during public consultation.

Mayor Walker added that transparency and engagement will remain a priority.

“Each council is committed to keeping communities informed throughout the process of setting up the organisation.”

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