Local Water Done Well

What work are we currently doing for Local Water Done Well (LWDW)?

Kia ora, welcome to our LWDW project page where you will find details on the project, links to important information, including frequently asked questions, the latest updates, and a timeline of upcoming steps.

“Local Water Done Well” is the Government’s plan for managing water services delivery and infrastructure. There is new legislation aimed at addressing public concern about water quality and service delivery, whilst maintaining local control over water services and assets. The legislation requires water services providers to be financially sustainable by June 2028.

What are we doing right now?

We are currently assessing the options available to us under new legislation introduced to Parliament mid-December, the Local Government (Water Services) Bill.

We are also preparing a draft water services delivery plan as part of the legislative requirement to be submitted to the Secretary of Local Government by 3 September 2025. These plans must outline how future water services delivery arrangements are to be financially sustainable, and must provide a commitment to an implementation plan.

The options currently being investigated for Hauraki District Council include continuing with the status quo or the creation of a new standalone entity responsible for water and wastewater, either independently or in collaboration with other Waikato Councils or potentially neighbouring councils. Such collaboration would aim to ensure the financial and operational sustainability of water services while maintaining local control.

Regardless of what model we choose, we know we can expect additional regulations that will need to be met to comply with the Local Water Done Well reform. However, deciding on the right delivery model involves more than simply meeting legal requirements. We also know that affordability is a matter concern for Hauraki District so the consideration of the long-term costs is an integral part to the options consideration and what best fits the unique needs of our District.

One of the changes that must be made as part of the Local Water Done Well reform is the ring fencing of water services revenue and expenditure away from property rates. This is to create greater transparency. For most ratepayers, this means regardless of what water delivery option we go with, wastewater rates will be moved from your property rates bill to a separate bill. For most of our communities it will move to their Water bill. Communities, like Whiritoa, who don’t receive a water bill because they’re on tank water, but have wastewater services (sink/shower/toilets), will start to receive a separate bill just for the wastewater rate, from July 2025.

Where to next?

We have spent the past few months analysing various options, with a focus on maintaining local control and ensuring the long-term resilience of our water services in the best interests of the Hauraki community. We will be bringing a variety of options to Council at the 30 April 2025 meeting prior to consultation opening 1 May through to 23 May 2025. The full business case will be published as part of this consultation information so the community can see the full consideration, financial and non-financial made, on determining the options to consult with you on.

For more information and useful links please read our page Water Services Policy and Legislation - Hauraki District Council.