Whanganui District Council confirms future water services model
Published on 15 July 2025
Earlier today, Whanganui District councillors agreed on a delivery model for the management of water services under the Government’s Local Water Done Well programme.
Councillors voted in favour of a two-council Water Services Council Controlled Organisation (WS-CCO), partnering with Ruapehu District Council for the management of drinking water, stormwater and wastewater services in our district.
Mayor Andrew Tripe says the decision represents a significant milestone for the delivery of water services.
“This is arguably the biggest decision we have had to make as a council in a very long time, certainly since I have been seated at this table,” he says.
“The two-council model is grounded in shared values, shared geography, and a shared vision for the future. By working in partnership with Ruapehu District Council, Whanganui can ensure that our water services remain local, sustainable, and focused on the needs of our awa, while also connecting our communities.”
Mayor Andrew says the model brings multiple benefits to Whanganui. “Working with Ruapehu allows us to continue to deliver high-quality water services while retaining local ownership and decision-making. It’s a model that works for Whanganui, one that puts our people first and builds on the strengths we already have.”
“Importantly, this partnership also gives us greater flexibility and strength moving forward. By establishing a water services organisation at a two-council scale, we create a solid foundation that could support additional partnerships in the future, if that’s a path shareholding councils choose to explore. This positions Whanganui and Ruapehu to take advantage of any new opportunities for collaboration or funding that may emerge, while still maintaining the autonomy we value.”
Mayor Andrew notes that Whanganui enters this partnership from a position of strength, with a strong history of investment in water infrastructure and ongoing collaboration with neighbouring councils since the Local Water Done Well reforms were first announced.
“We’ve had the benefit of exploring multiple credible options, each with its own advantages. That’s enabled councillors to make a robust and well-informed decision, one that is guided by Te Awa Tupua and shaped by feedback from our community.”
One of the key concerns of the community during consultation was cross-subsidisation and discussions have confirmed that the WS-CCO will be established, based on non-harmonised pricing. This means residents will be charged only for the cost-of-service delivery in their own district, while still benefiting from a share of the savings gained through scale.
The decision follows extensive community consultation, detailed analysis of each model, and up-to-date guidance from both the Local Government Funding Agency and Commerce Commission.
“We’ve taken the time to ensure our decision meets all financial and legal requirements, and, most importantly, that it delivers for Whanganui,” says mayor Andrew.
Council officers will now finalise the Water Services Delivery Plan for adoption at the next council meeting in August. The council will then submit its final Water Services Delivery Plan to central government by the early September deadline. If approved, implementation will begin later this year. Current expectations are that the new water services CCO could be established by mid-2026 and fully operational by mid-2027.
“We are committed to a delivery model that protects our water, reflects who we are, and serves our people, with our awa and our community at the centre of everything we do.”