A Government reform which aims to address long-standing water infrastructure challenges around the country.

Christchurch City Council delivers water supply, wastewater and stormwater services to residents. A new approach to how these services are delivered is being driven by the Government under the ‘Local Water Done Well(external link)’ reform.

Local Water Done Well aims to enable cities to maintain local control over water services while also exploring collaborative opportunities with regional partners. 

Public consultation on the Council's response is open until Sunday 6 April. Find more information and have your say(external link).  

Have your say on the future of water services 

Public consultation on Christchurch City Council’s proposed response to the Government’s Local Water Done Well reform is open until Sunday 6 April.
Three different options have been evaluated in an Indicative Business Case – an in-house delivery model, a Three Waters Council-Controlled Organisation, and a Two Waters (water supply and wastewater) Council-Controlled Organisation.  

 

Efficient and financially sustainable water services are possible under all of the models we’ve looked at, however our Indicative Business Case points to the in-house model as the best option for Christchurch and that’s why it’s our proposal.

Each model has unique benefits and drawbacks we want people to consider, and public feedback is crucial before any decision is made. 

What does the Council want feedback on?  

We want you to consider the benefits and disadvantages of the proposed model and the alternative options and tell us which one you support.  

  • In-house model (our proposal). The Council would retain direct control for managing water services through its existing structure with financial ring-fencing. 
  • Three Waters Council-Controlled Organisation. An independent entity owned by the Council would focus exclusively on water services, with its own governance and operational structure. 
  • Two Waters Council-Controlled Organisation. A hybrid approach that balances independent management of water supply and wastewater, with Council oversight and management of stormwater. 

How can I give feedback? 

Before the Council makes a decision on a water services delivery model for our water supply, wastewater and stormwater, we want to know what you think. 

Take some time to read our consultation document (external link)and think about the different models.  

Visit letstalk.ccc.govt.nz/lwdw(external link) to make your submission, or pop into your nearest library or service centre and ask for a form. You can also ring us on 03 941 8999, provide your details and a good time for us to call, and one of our team will be in touch. 

Following consultation, councils are required to select a proposed water service delivery model as part of a Water Services Delivery Plan which must be finalised and submitted to the Department of Internal Affairs by September 2025. Consultation is open until Sunday 6 April. 

Read more on Newsline(external link)

Watch a briefing provided to Councillors on 11 February(external link)

Local Water Done Well is being implemented in three stages, each with its own piece of legislation. 

1. The Water Services Acts Repeal Act

The first Bill, the Water Services Acts Repeal Act (enacted in February 2024), repealed the previous Government’s water services legislation. 

2. The Local Government (Water Services Preliminary Arrangements) Act 2024

The second Bill, the Local Government (Water Services Preliminary Arrangements) Act was enacted in September 2024. This Act establishes the Local Water Done Well framework and the preliminary arrangements for the new water services system. Councils are required to develop Water Services Delivery Plans by 3 September 2025. 

3. The Local Government (Water Services) Bill

The Government introduced a third Local Government Water Services Bill in December 2024 that establishes enduring settings for the new water services system.

The Bill sets out key details relating to the water services delivery system, the economic regulation and consumer protection regime for water services, and changes to the water quality regulatory framework.

The Bill had its First reading on 17 December 2024 and was referred to the Finance and Expenditure Committee for consideration. Public submissions are open until 23 February 2025.

More information about Local Water Done Well is available on the Department of Internal Affairs website(external link). 

Timeline

February 2024

Previous Three Waters legislation repealed

The Coalition Government passed urgent legislation repealing the previous Labour Government's Three Waters legislation. 

September 2024

Legislation enacted

The Local Government (Water Services Preliminary Arrangements) Act 2024 establishes the Local Water Done Well framework and the preliminary arrangements for the new water services system.

The legislation was enacted on 2 September 2024.

December 2024

The Local Government (Water Services) Bill introduced

The Local Government (Water Services) Bill establishes the enduring settings for the new water services system.

The Bill was introduced to Parliament in December 2024, had its first reading on 17 December and was referred to the Finance and Expenditure Committee for consideration. Public submissions are open until 23 February 2025.

February 2025

Report to Council on consultation options

The Council agreed to consult the public on three options: the proposed in-house model; a Council-Controlled Organisation (CCO) for three waters; and a CCO for two waters and maintaining stormwater services in-house.

March / April 2025

Public consultation

Feedback is gathered on the proposed and alternative water service delivery models. 

 

September 2025

Water Service Delivery Plan due

Councils are required to produce a Water Services Delivery Plan (WSDP) and submit it to the Department of Internal Affairs by September 2025.  

The WSDP will outline the current state of a council's water services delivery arrangements, as well as outlining the pathway to a financially sustainable water services that meet regulatory quality standards. 

In 2016, a gastroenteritis outbreak in Havelock North led to approximately 45 hospitalisations and possibly contributed to three deaths. The outbreak was linked to contaminated drinking water, raising significant concerns about the safety and security of New Zealand's water supply.

In mid-2017, after a Government Inquiry into the incident, the government initiated the Three Waters Review to enhance the regulation and service delivery of drinking water, wastewater, and stormwater—collectively known as the three waters—to better protect New Zealand's environment, health, and safety.

In July 2020, the Labour Government launched the Three Waters Reform Programme in response to growing evidence of nationwide challenges in three waters service delivery. Following public feedback, the legislation was revised and passed under the new name, Water Services Reform Programme, which aimed to consolidate councils into 10 publicly owned, specialised water service entities.

However, after the October 2023 general election, the new coalition government announced plans to repeal the previous Three Waters legislation and replace it with Local Water Done Well.