Seven Waikato councils have formally signed the Shareholders’ Agreement for Waikato Waters Limited, marking the company’s official incorporation as a joint council-controlled organisation.
29 July 2025Updated 12 June 20262 min read
Seven Waikato councils have formally signed the Shareholders’ Agreement for Waikato Waters Limited, marking the company’s official incorporation as a joint council-controlled organisation (CCO).
The new entity – jointly owned by Hauraki, Matamata Piako, Ōtorohanga, South Waikato, Waipā, Waitomo and Taupō District Councils – has been established to deliver safe, reliable, and sustainable drinking water and wastewater services across their communities in response to central Government’s Local Water Done Well mandate.
The Shareholders’ Agreement represents a historic step toward regional collaboration, ensuring water and waste water services are future proofed across the Waikato rural- provincial councils.
Guided by the vision Te Mana o Te Wai, Te Mana o Te Tangata – Healthy Water, Healthy People, Waikato Waters aims to create a financially sustainable, customer- focused, and environmentally responsible model for water service delivery. This is the culmination of two years intensive work together to provide local confidence that the organisation will meet local needs – current and future.
The Hon Simon Watts, Minister of Local Government congratulated the seven councils representing the largest grouping of territorial authorities within Local Water Done Well. In a letter to the Mayors of the councils, the Minister acknowledged the “impressive achievement” and thanked Waikato Water Done Well for their “work and collective commitment to the delivery of safe, resilient, environmentally sound, financially sustainable water services for your communities”.
The Minister also acknowledged the Waikato iwi chairs for their support in reaching this significant milestone.
The newly signed Shareholders’ Agreement sets the framework for how Waikato Waters will operate as a CCO. An Establishment Board is expected to be appointed by the end of August.
This agreement represents an historic step toward regional collaboration, ensuring water services are future proofed and delivered to high standards.
For more information on Waikato Waters and the Shareholders’ Agreement click here.
