Council to choose a water delivery option

The Central Otago District Council (CODC) will meet tomorrow (July 10 2025) to consider options for the future delivery of water services that meet Government legislation and community expectations.

As part of the Southern Water Done Well council partnership, CODC consulted with its community recently on three delivery options.

These were a jointly owned Council Controlled Organisation (CCO) with Gore, Clutha and Waitaki district councils, which was the four councils' preferred option, a stand-alone CCO, or an in-house business unit.

At a meeting on Tuesday Waitaki District Council decided not to progress with the Southern Water Done Well partnership, opting for an in-house business unit.

READ MORE: Council decides to keep water in-house | Waitaki District Council

In a joint statement, Central Otago District Mayor Tamah Alley, Gore District Mayor Ben Bell and Clutha District Mayor Bryan Cadogan acknowledged that councils must make decisions they feel are in the best interests of their communities.

“However, we believe a jointly owned Council Controlled Organisation remains the best option for water services delivery in the future.

“The Government has been quite clear about its expectations for councils to work together to deliver Local Water Done Well legislation.

“Southern Water Done Well meets those expectations and sets a strategic, long-term direction for delivering financially sustainable, efficient water services while retaining local control.

“When considering next steps, councils will need to be mindful of whether alternative options comply with Government regulations and expectations.”

Councils throughout New Zealand have until 3 September this year to submit a Water Services Delivery Plan to the Department of Internal Affairs, under the Government’s Local Water Done Well legislation.

These plans must outline a water services delivery model that is financially sustainable, meets regulatory requirements, and supports community needs.

SWDW partners Clutha District Council and Gore District Council meet tomorrow afternoon and on Monday, respectively, to consider their water service delivery options.

CODC received 303 submissions from individuals, organisations, and community groups during its SWDW consultation. A jointly owned CCO, received the highest level of support from respondents (47.5%), followed by a stand-alone CCO (14.9%) and in-house Business Unit (37.6%).

Thursday’s Council meeting starts at 10.30am in chambers. The public part of the meeting will begin at 11am when people will also be able to watch online: Meetings - Central Otago District Council.