Westland preparing Water Services Delivery Plan
Westland District Council has finalised its Water Services Delivery Plan for submission to the Department of Internal Affairs (DIA) by 3 September 2025. This is required under the Local Government (Water Services Preliminary Arrangements) Act 2024. A copy of the August Ordinary Council is available here: Council Meeting – August 2025
Why is this important?
- Doing nothing is not an option, if we don’t submit a plan, Government can step in and appoint external managers.
- By submitting our plan, Westland keeps local control over water decisions.
- The plan sets out how we will provide safe, sustainable, and financially viable drinking water, wastewater, and stormwater services.
What you need to know
- Change is mandatory: Councils can no longer continue with the status quo.
- Future model: Westland, Grey and Buller will form a Council Controlled Organisation (CCO) to manage water services, expected to be operational in 2027.
- Costs: Yes, the portion of your rates you currently pay for water will transfer to the CCO. However, we are still working through the water entity’s costs as part of this process.
- Oversight: DIA will review plans to ensure financial sustainability and value for money.
Cover photo: Credit Tony Maitland
