Councils Come Together To Discuss Common Issues

With the upcoming establishment of Kaikōura Hurunui Water Services, the Mayors, CEOs and Councillors from both districts met in Kaikōura on Wednesday 4 February to formally sign the shareholders’ agreement approved by both Councils at the end of 2025.

This is the first time that elected members from both Councils have come together in person to discuss common issues, with a focus on the joint Council Controlled Organisation and the work which needs to be done ahead of the 1 July start date.

The initial appointment of directors to Kaikōura Hurunui Water Services, is one of the next big steps for the new organisation, a process which has generated much interest in the governance and leadership community, with more than 100 applications received.

Both Kaikōura Mayor Craig Mackle and Hurunui Mayor Marie Black endorsed the coming together of both councils, to offer a chance for councillors in attendance to share the opportunities and challenges with the central Government’s upcoming reform agenda.

Mayor Black said “The benefit of being in one room was immeasurable to building a strong and trusted relationship. It was so successful that further meetings will be hosted to ensure we are all abreast of the issues.” Mayor Mackle summed up the meeting by saying “I really enjoyed our time together. It was a great opportunity to share common ground and talk about the issues that are relevant to both Councils.”

This discussion comes off the back of Council meetings across 27 and 28 January to adopt an Interim Statement of Expectations and updated Director Appointment and Remuneration Policies.

The Interim Statement of Expectations (SOE) covering the six-month establishment phase of the new organisation, is to give Kaikōura Hurunui Water Services an opportunity to get to work as soon as possible once established. This would include strategic priorities, financial principles and community outcomes, with directions for staff employment continuity and shared services agreements.

Both Councils also reviewed the Director Appointment and Remuneration Policies to accommodate the new organisation. This clarifies that WSCCO directors must be appointed based on skills and experience. Five directors in total will be sought for these positions - three appointed jointly, and one appointed by each of the two Councils.