What is Waikato Water Done Well?

Waikato Water Done Well is a water services delivery model developed for the Waikato, to meet the requirements of Local Water Done Well (see right hand box).

The model proposed a Council Controlled Organisation (CCO) – Waikato Waters Ltd - to deliver drinking water and wastewater for the partner councils.

Waikato Water Done Well is the outcome of collaboration since 2023 and began as a conversation (between participating councils and the Iwi Chairs Forum) about how to better deliver water services across the Waikato region.

Seven councils (who signed a Heads of Agreement [link] in December 2024) explored this model to put forward as ONE of the options being considered for the future delivery of water services in their district.

The full proposal for Waikato Waters Done Well can be found here 

What is Local Water Done Well?

Local Water Done Well is the Government's approach to improving the management of drinking water, wastewater, and storm water (the "three waters") services. It replaces the “three waters” model of the previous Government, and the status quo.

Local Water Done Well says…

• water service delivery must be ring-fenced ie the costs are clearly defined
• new regulations/standards will be met
• there must be clarity on how all three waters will be provided in the future in a way that best meets the above (up to at least 10 years).

Local Water Done Well encourages councils to work together to create jointly owned water organisations to deliver water services.

Legislation was introduced in September 2024 to direct councils on next steps. 

Councils are required to deliver a Water Services Delivery Plan by September 2025 outlining how they are going to achieve Local Water Done Well.

Councils

Seven councils signed a Heads of Agreement in December 2024 to explore the Waikato Water Done Well model for water services delivery.