Central Districts Water

In August 2026, the three shareholding councils and Nga Tapūwae o Hau agreed what they expect from Central Districts Water as the organisation is established and once it begins delivering water services.

The Statement of Expectations makes clear that CDW is expected to provide affordable, efficient, safe and reliable water services, while planning for the long term and remaining accountable and connected to the communities it serves.

Find out more on our Central Districts Water Statement of Expectations page.

Horowhenua District Council completed an Assessment of Communities’ Access to Drinking Water. This assessment meets the requirements outlined in the Local Government (Water Services) Act 2025. If you have any questions or queries relating to your ongoing access to drinking water, please contact Council.

Assessment of Communities' Access to Drinking Water 2026 - 1 July 2026(PDF, 426KB)

Horowhenua District Council, Palmerston North City Council and Rangitīkei District Council have appointed their representatives to the Central Districts Water shareholders committee, marking an important step in establishing local oversight of the new water services entity.

View Committee Meeting Agendas & Minutes

Horowhenua District Council, Palmerston North City Council and Rangitīkei District Council have taken a major step toward establishing Central Districts Water, confirming the governance framework that will ensure water services continue to be locally overseen, locally managed and locally accountable.

View the Media Release

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 our Water Services Delivery Plan to read the plan or read our media release.

View the Water Services Delivery Plan
View the Media Release

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)

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.

On 1 November 2024 Horowhenua District Council brought operating and maintaining drinking water, wastewater and stormwater services back in-house.

The move marked the end of the Horowhenua Alliance agreement, under which utilities provider Downer had worked with Council to manage the services since 2017.

All regular maintenance, repairs and renewals on the three water networks, as well as managing water supplies, water treatment and wastewater treatment plants, are now being done by Council.

Council forecast bringing the work back in-house would save up to $1 million through greater efficiencies in the first year. 

More than 20 Downer staff who were working for the Alliance moved over to Council to continue their work. Some specialist maintenance equipment was already owned by Council and some was leased. Council bought or leased new equipment including vehicles, a digger and tools to ensure high-quality work to maintain the three waters services continues.

As well as saving money, the move will help Council to prepare for significant expected growth in Horowhenua.

It also put Council in a better strategic position to meet the requirements of the coalition Government’s Local Waters Done Well program, including developing a comprehensive water service delivery plan by September 2025.

If I have a problem who do I call?

Council’s service centre is still your first port of call – email enquiries@horowhenua.govt.nz or phone 06 366 0999.