Chatham Islands Council Prepares Water Services Delivery Plan

Strategic Insights -

Chatham Islands Council is working on a Water Services Delivery Plan (WSDP) to ensure safe, affordable, and sustainable water services for its residents. The council aims to submit the plan to the government by September 3, 2025, and is seeking input from the community before finalizing the proposal. The plan involves a partnership with Watercare, under Auckland Council's leadership, and includes a financial strategy to keep water services affordable while meeting national standards.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Local Government (Water Services Preliminary Arrangements) Act 2024 requires Chatham Islands Council to prepare a WSDP, which involves a consultation process with the community.
  • The proposed model involves a partnership with Watercare, retaining local oversight while providing technical expertise and managing service delivery.
  • The plan includes a financial strategy to keep water services affordable, with government funding essential to support upgrades and avoid burdening ratepayers.
  • The council considered five possible ways to deliver water services and selected the delivery partner model as the preferred option, which offers better value and service for residents, is more likely to attract long-term government funding, and reduces financial and operational risks.
  • The plan includes a proposal for government funding to support upgrades, a fair approach to water charges for residents, and a financial strategy to ensure long-term sustainability.
  • The proposed changes will affect different areas of the Chatham Islands, with improved water services and a small increase in charges for Waitangi, the current network being decommissioned for Kaingaroa, and not included in the plan for Te One but potentially added later if funding and agreements are in place.

Statistics:

  • The council aims to submit the WSDP to the government by September 3, 2025.
  • The proposed partnership with Watercare involves a combination of local oversight and technical expertise, with the council retaining control, but seeking help from the partner.
  • The preferred option, the delivery partner model, is expected to offer better value and service for residents, while reducing financial and operational risks.
  • The plan includes a proposal for government funding to support upgrades, aiming to make water services sustainable in the long term.

Sources:

  • Chatham Islands Council press release
  • Local Government (Water Services Preliminary Arrangements) Act 2024