Central Districts Water has reached two major milestones as it prepares to begin managing water services for Horowhenua District Council, Palmerston North City Council and Rangitīkei District Council from next July.
The organisation is owned by the three councils, which will continue to manage water services until Central Districts Water begins full operations on 1 July 2027.
Board connects with staff and councils
The newly appointed Board of independent directors was formally welcomed with a pōwhiri in Palmerston North last Wednesday, hosted by representatives from Nga Tapūwae o Hau, which is a rōpū (working group) formed by the collective iwi across the three council regions to represent them.
They have three representatives sitting on the shareholders committee alongside representatives of the three shareholder councils.
Following the welcome, Board members joined a workshop with elected members where they heard more about the development of the Statement of Expectations, the key document outlining what councils expect of Central Districts Water, and received an update on the planned transfer of debt next year.
On Thursday, the Board travelled across the three districts to meet with staff working in, and supporting, water services.
Central Districts Water Board Chair, Hon Steve Maharey, said the visits were an important opportunity to build understanding early.
“It’s important to the Board that we understand the unique features of each of the three council areas,” Mr Maharey said.
“Central Districts Water will need to support large urban centres like Palmerston North, the coastal communities of Horowhenua, and the rural areas of Rangitīkei. Getting out early to meet staff and elected members has been a valuable opportunity to listen and learn, and to build a strong understanding before decisions are made.”
The Board will now meet monthly as the transition of services to Central Districts Water begins.
Transition Director Chris Dyhrberg said Central Districts Water has also taken a significant step forward with its registration as a company.
“This is a requirement under the Government’s Local Water Done Well legislation and formally establishes the organisation as a legal entity. It enables Central Districts Water to begin putting in place the people, systems and financial arrangements needed to operate, and marks the start of the transition toward taking on responsibility for water services over time.”
He said the transition team, which includes staff from Horowhenua District Council, Palmerston North City Council, and Rangitīkei District Council, is working together to ensure local priorities are reflected in the new organisation.
“We have strong momentum, and the establishment team is working collaboratively to build an organisation that will deliver high-quality water services while reflecting the needs and character of each local community.”
With the Board now in place, its immediate focus is recruiting and appointing a Chief Executive. The recruitment process is now underway.
Pictured below: Members of the Central Districts Water board at the Pōwhiri.
About Central Districts Water
Central Districts Water is a council-controlled organisation being established by Horowhenua District Council, Palmerston North City Council, and Rangitīkei District Council to deliver drinking water, wastewater, and stormwater services across the three districts.
The organisation will be responsible for managing, maintaining, and investing in water infrastructure to ensure safe, reliable, and sustainable services for communities now and into the future.