The mayors of Central Otago, Gore and Clutha district council have issued a joint statement following Waitaki District Council’s withdrawal from the Southern Water Done Well partnership yesterday (Tuesday July 8).

Waitaki voted to exit the Southern Water Done Well partnership and pursue instead an in-house water services delivery unit.

“Today’s decision determines that our Water Services Delivery Plan will focus on an In-House Business Unit for the next two years at least, subject to the [Department of Internal Affairs] reviewing and approving the plan,” Waitaki District mayor Gary Kircher said.

Waitaki’s reasons for this choice included feedback from the community; the fact the third piece of Local Water Done Well legislation, the Local Government (Water Services) Bill, has yet to be passed by Parliament; and a desire to retain local control.

Waitaki also agreed to further discuss the future management of water, looking at various models adopted by other councils – including exploring the possibility of a future shared services/Joint Council Controlled Organisation approach with South Canterbury councils.

Mayors Tamah Alley (pictured), Bryan Cadogan, and Ben Bell say councils need “to be mindful of whether alternative options comply with government regulations and expectations”. Photo: File

Central Otago mayor Tamah Alley, Gore mayor Ben Bell, and Clutha mayor Bryan Cadogan issued a joint statement yesterday.

“While acknowledging that councils must make decisions they feel are in the best interests of their communities, 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,” they said.

“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.”

The three mayors said councils need to be "mindful of whether alternative options comply with government regulations and expectations”.

CDC and CODC will both meet on Thursday (July 10) to decide each council’s water services delivery model, while Gore District Council’s meeting is on Monday (July 14).

Revised reports based on Waitaki’s withdrawal from Southern Water Done Well will be presented at those meetings.

Councils throughout New Zealand must submit a Water Services Delivery Plan (WSDP) to the Department of Internal Affairs by September 3. 

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