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Grand Finalists Announced In Competition To Find NZ’s Best Tasting Tap Water
The four Grand Finalists for the 2026 IXOM National Water Taste Test competition have been announced:
- Napier City Council
- Rotorua Lakes District Council
- Manawatū District Council
- Western Bay of Plenty District Council
Expert judging for the Grand Final will take place from 12-1pm on Thursday 14 May, with the winner decided on the day. The winner of the 2026 IXOM National Water Taste Test will then be announced at approximately 7.45pm that evening, during the Water Industry Operations Group (WIOG) conference and awards dinner in Rotorua. The winner will have bragging rights over the other water suppliers in New Zealand for the next 12 months.
In the ultimate showdown, the winner will also represent New Zealand against Australia’s reigning champion in the IXOM Trans-Tasman Water Taste Test, which will be decided by popular vote at the WIOG conference and awards dinner in Rotorua on Thursday 14 May. The current title holder for Australia’s Best Tasting Tap Water comes from Katherine in the Northern Territory.
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