30 September 20263 min read
From today onwards, drinking water and wastewater services in Matamata-Piako will be delivered by Waikato Waters, marking an important milestone in the district's approach to managing and investing in essential water infrastructure. The transition brings more than 10,200 connected customers into Waikato Waters, which now provides water and wastewater services across four Waikato districts.
Waikato Waters interim chief executive Neil Brennan says it’s a significant step forward for the area’s water services.
"From the beginning, our councils and local iwi recognised they could achieve better outcomes for their communities by working together on water services rather than going it alone.
“Our first three councils transitioned on 1 July and now we’re delighted to be welcoming Matamata-Piako on 1 October.
“With shared expertise and economies of scale, we’ll be able to invest more in critical infrastructure and deliver services more efficiently, helping to keep costs manageable over the long term.”
Brennan says the Waikato Waters team is pleased that 29 people are joining from Matamata-Piako District Council.
“For the operational staff joining us on 1 October, there will be very few changes to their day-to-day work – they’re doing the same critical jobs at our treatment plants and out in the streets, but they’re wearing different uniforms and have our branding on their vehicles.
“These people know their communities, their networks and their assets inside out. Having this local knowledge stay with us is one of our greatest strengths as we move forward.”
Four staff members also transitioned from Matamata-Piako District Council in July to take up roles in Waikato Waters’ infrastructure team.
Brennan says every effort has been made to provide a smooth transition for customers.
“For customers, it will largely be business as usual for the time being. People will continue to pay for water services through their council and contact the council if there’s an issue to report.”
Over time, Waikato Waters will develop its own customer services and direct billing system.
The transition of Matamata Piako’s water services means Waikato Waters will assume responsibility for 12 active infrastructure projects and a substantial portfolio of water and wastewater assets across the district:
The company’s initial capital investment programme is largely based on shareholder councils’ current Long-Term Plans and Water Services Delivery Plans.
“This gives us a solid starting point,” Brennan says. “In our first year we're focused on building a comprehensive understanding of how our treatment plants, networks and other assets are performing so we can make informed decisions about future investment priorities.
“Right now, we’re working on our first Water Services Strategy. We look forward to sharing this with our communities in the first half of next year.”
Getting a head start at Waikato Waters
Former Matamata-Piako District Council employee Stephen Taylor joined Waikato Waters in July to take up the role of minor works project manager.
He says the infrastructure team has been flat out since day one, when the company inherited 34 active infrastructure projects.
“There’s definitely a lot of work to do. I’ve got 18 projects on my list at the moment – they’re coming thick and fast.
“One of the biggest advantages is having a larger team of specialists around you.
“I can’t wait to have my old council colleagues come over in October, and to be able to help with projects in Matamata-Piako again.
“It's still early days, but I can already see the benefits a dedicated water services company can deliver for both staff and communities. People have opportunities to develop specialist skills, share best practice and focus on achieving great outcomes for customers.”
