Joint Water Services Delivery Plan Approved by DIA.

A joint plan for the delivery of water services in the Kaikōura and Hurunui districts has received the green light from the Secretary of the Department of Internal Affairs (DIA).

Following consultation with their communities earlier in the year, the two councils submitted a joint Water Services Delivery Plan to the DIA in early August. The Plan provides for the two councils to establish a Water Services Council Controlled Organisation (WSCCO) which will provide services across the two districts. The new standalone WSCCO will be 100% owned by the two councils.

Hurunui Council CEO, Hamish Dobbie, said “Having approval from the DIA means that we are able to move forward with establishing the new organisation”. It is proposed that the WSCCO will commence water services operations on 1 July 2026.

The Plan includes information about the financial outlook for the new WSCCO. There is a legislative requirement to collect sufficient revenue to cover the long-term costs of providing water services. In order to do this, the two councils will phase in a move to fully funding depreciation over the period to 2034.

The staged approach to fully funding depreciation is in line with the Long Term Plan for Hurunui District Council but is a new requirement for Kaikōura. Kaikōura Council CEO, Will Doughty, said: “While this will mean increases in water charges for customers, long term affordability has been a key consideration for both councils in terms of both delivery model selection and the development of the plan.”.

The two councils remain open to further opportunities to work with other councils.

The Plan is now available on the both the Kaikōura District Council and HERE on the Hurunui District Council website.