Ōpōtiki District Council’s Water Services Delivery Plan has been assessed and accepted by the Department of Internal Affairs.

The council’s plan outlines how water, wastewater, and stormwater services will be delivered over the next 10 years.

Councils across Aotearoa were required to consider and discuss with their communities how water services will be delivered in the future as part of the Government’s Local Water Done Well legislation.

Following council workshops, meetings and formal community feedback, the final council plan submitted to the Department of Internal Affairs on August 22, detailed the delivery of water services through a standalone business unit within the council while we continue to explore establishing a joint water services organisation.

With the plan now approved, the council will begin transition planning to ensure the new delivery model is fully operational by the statutory deadline of July 1, 2028.

Group manager service delivery Nathan Hughes said it was a significant milestone and allowed the council to move forward with a clear plan.

“I’d like to thank all those who helped get our WSDP [Water Services Delivery Plan] to this point. It has been a big undertaking, and we’re pleased our plan has been accepted,” Mr Hughes said.

The community faces ongoing challenges around the long-term financing and affordability of three waters services.

For this reason, the council decided that over the next two to three years, Ōpōtiki District Council would continue to explore a Joint Water Service Organisation alongside other Eastern Bay of Plenty councils and Rotorua Lakes Council to determine the best model for water services delivery in the long term.

The adopted plan ensures Ōpōtiki District Council has a clear roadmap to meet future regulatory requirements while continuing to deliver safe, reliable and affordable water services for the community.