Government-led water Local Water Done Well reforms mean all New Zealand councils must work with their communities to decide the future of their water services.

From today, Taupō District Council is asking for the community's input on the best option for its future water services delivery. Keeping water services as they are is not an option.

The council has spent months reviewing its current water services and the different options the government has given for their future.

Its options for water have been narrowed down to three – one preferred option and two alternatives.

Based on Taupō District Council's current financial stability and the strength of its water services team, the proposed preferred option is to keep its water services for now and review in 2027. While this option would retain water services in-house, it includes significant changes to how council must manage and report on water services.

There are also two alternative options. The first is to join six other councils to form Waikato Water, a regional multi-council owned water services entity. The second is to establish a single Taupō District Council-controlled organisation.

Deputy Mayor Kevin Taylor said that while there is still significant ongoing uncertainty in the water reform landscape, councillors thought it wise to take a cautious approach and wait for more clarity before making any major changes.

“Our proposed preferred option of keeping water services with council for now is the result of a thorough evaluation of key factors, including long-term financial stability, service quality, governance, and potential improvements,” Mr Taylor said.

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“Under this option we would also explore joining Waikato Water for some shared services, such as procurement but we would keep control of our water services and our water assets.

“No final decision has been made, and we want feedback and input from the community. We need to know what the community priorities are for the future of our water services so we can take those into account as we make this significant decision.”

Mr Taylor said choosing one option at this time doesn’t rule out being able to change to another option later.

“By participating in the initial design phase of Waikato Water, Council has ensured that transitioning to a regional entity remains a viable option if it proves best for ratepayers in the future.

“Whatever option we ultimately end up with, you can still expect to receive the same water services. If you’re connected to council water supplies, you’ll still get water from the tap and your wastewater will still be taken away, no matter who is managing it.”

Regardless of the model chosen, water service costs are expected to rise due to Government-imposed factors such as economic regulation and regulatory compliance plus increasing infrastructure costs, which will require ongoing investment.

“Our goal is to look after our critical water assets, keep water supplies safe and make a decision that is right for our communities, well into the future,” Mr Taylor says.

“So, this decision on our water services is a huge one. We need to think carefully and make the right choice for our community – not just for today and tomorrow, but for generations to come.”

The Our Water Our Future consultation runs until 4.30pm on Thursday 29 May. People can learn more and make a submission at taupo.govt.nz/haveyoursay.

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