Today marks the first day of operations for Waikato Waters, a new council‑controlled organisation established by six district councils to deliver water and wastewater services for their communities.
1 July 20263 min read
Today marks the first day of operations for Waikato Waters, a new council‑controlled organisation established by six district councils to deliver water and wastewater services for their communities.
Waikato Waters interim chief executive Neil Brennan says the launch represents a significant step forward for water services in the Waikato.
“At the beginning of this journey our councils and local iwi recognised they could deliver more for their communities’ water services by working together than they could alone – and that’s what we’re here to do.
“We face the same challenges seen across New Zealand – ageing infrastructure, growing populations, rising costs and changing expectations for our water services. Our organisation has been set up to tackle these challenges in a practical, sustainable way that puts people and the environment first.
“With shared expertise and economies of scale, we’ll be able to invest more in critical infrastructure and deliver services more efficiently, helping keep costs lower for our customers over the long term.
“One of our priorities in year one will be to build and strengthen meaningful relationships with the iwi and hapū who hold mana whenua and mana moana responsibilities across our area of operation.”
Councils are transitioning in stages. Today, Waitomo, South Waikato and Waipā district councils transferred water and wastewater services to Waikato Waters. Matamata-Piako District Council will follow on 1 October, and Hauraki and Ōtorohanga district councils will transition on 1 July 2027.
Hauraki District Mayor Toby Adams, speaking on behalf of the councils, says: "Our councils built Waikato Waters because we knew together we could deliver better water services for our communities than any one of us could alone. That's what today represents – the start of something our communities can count on. Hauraki is looking forward to joining next year."
A smooth transition
Brennan says every effort has been made to provide a smooth transition for both staff and customers.
“For our customers the experience will largely stay the same in year one. People will continue to pay for water services through their councils, and contact them if there’s an issue to report.
”Over time, Waikato Waters will develop its own customer services and direct billing system.Many of the staff members joining the company today have transferred from one of the three transitioning councils.
“For our operational staff there are little 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,” Brennan says.
“Our people know their communities, their networks and their assets inside out. That local knowledge stays with us – it’s one of our greatest strengths as we move forward.”
Infrastructure investment and planning
Waikato Waters inherits 24 active infrastructure projects on day one and will start another 18 in its first year.Brennan says the company’s initial capital investment programme is largely based on councils’ current Long-Term Plans and Water Services Delivery Plans.
“This gives us a solid starting point. Much of our first year will be spent taking stock – understanding how our treatment plants, networks and other assets are performing, and then working out what takes priority. It’s crucial that we build this knowledge before we act.”
Establishment to operations
Brennan says getting to the start line is a proud moment for everyone involved.
“It was less than a year ago that our councils came together to sign the Shareholders’ Agreement that formally established Waikato Waters as a joint council-controlled organisation.
“That gave us the mandate to get on and build a new company – and it’s remarkable what our team has achieved in that time.
“We’ve built new systems, transferred an enormous amount of data, recruited our people, onboarded critical suppliers and rigorously tested our processes. It’s been about laying the solid foundations we need to operate confidently from day one.
“This has been a massive collective effort between our team, staff from our shareholder councils and our suppliers. I’d like to thank everyone wholeheartedly for their commitment to this organisation and to our vision: Te mana o te wai, te mana o te tangata – healthy water, healthy people.”
