Local Water Done Well
Local Water Done Well is the coalition Government’s plan to address Aotearoa New Zealand’s long-standing water infrastructure challenges. It replaces the previous government's Three Waters Reform programme but seeks to achieve similar water outcomes.
Key components of Local Water Done Well are:
- fit-for-purpose service delivery models and financing tools
- ensuring water services are financially sustainable
- introducing greater central government oversight, economic and quality regulation.
Local Water Done Well is being implemented in three stages, each with its own piece of legislation.
- Repeal of previous water services legislation.
- Establish framework and preliminary arrangements for the new water services system.
- Establish enduring settings.
A regional approach
At a meeting on 27 November 2024 Council voted to put forward three options for public consultation regarding the future of drinking water, wastewater, and stormwater services.
Council considered several options, including continuing to manage water services in-house and collaborating with neighbouring councils for a more sustainable solution.
Council decided to exit participation in both the Wellington Region and the Manawatū-Whanganui Regional Joint Water Services Delivery Plans.
Instead, the following options were put forward for public consultation:
-
Option 2: A Multi-Council Joint Water Services Arrangement including Horowhenua District Council, Manawatū District Council, Palmerston North City Council, and Kāpiti Coast District Council
The decision came after a period of internal review, regional collaboration, and a light-touch community consultation to gather feedback on key priorities such as clean drinking water, effective stormwater management, and affordable service provision.
Visit InfoCouncil for the full Council Report.
Consultation
Consultation was held from 10 March to 10 April 2025. Visit Let's Kōrero - Local Water Done Well to see the consultation documents. Of the 93 submissions received:
- 57% (53 submissions) chose Option 1
- 8% (8 submissions) chose Option 2
- 30% (28 submissions) chose Option 3
- 4% (4 submissions) did not choose an option
Decision
On 4 June 2025 elected members voted unanimously to join Palmerston North City Council and Rangitīkei District Council to form a Joint Water Services Organisation, and recognised Whanganui District Council and Ruapehu District Council as potential willing partners which may choose to join later.
This decision is projected to save the average Horowhenua household between $195 and $300 per year by 2027/28, depending on which councils eventually form the water services organisation.
Modelling suggests that if all five councils joined, savings of over $300m could be achieved over 30 years.
Visit InfoCouncil for the report presented to Council.
Submission
Submission - Local Government Water Services Preliminary Arrangements Bill - Horowhenua District Council - 13 June 2024(PDF, 840KB)
Water Services Delivery Plan
On 6 August 2025 Horowhenua District Council unanimously adopted a Water Services Delivery Plan (WSDP) setting out how water services will be delivered in the future. Palmerston North City Council adopted the plan the following week.
The plan is the first product of the Joint Water Services Organisation. It outlines how the three councils will work together to deliver drinking water, wastewater and stormwater services in a way that meets regulatory standards, supports growth, and is financially sustainable.
One of the key principles of the plan is that water revenue, for example from rates, will be spent on water services and not diverted into other council spending.
Council also passed a resolution noting that Ruapehu District Council and Whanganui District Council could potentially be willing to join the Joint Water Services Organisation.
In November 2025 the plan was approved by Government.
For more information visit www.horowhenua.govt.nz/WaterServicesDeliveryPlan to read the plan or read our media release.