The Government's Local Water Done Well policy is changing how drinking water, wastewater and stormwater services are managed across the country.
Following public consultation, Gisborne District Council decided to keep these services under Council ownership and control through a dedicated Water Services Business Unit.
The reforms aim to provide safe, reliable water services, protect drinking water sources and support environmentally sustainable management of wastewater and stormwater.
What this means for our community
For most people, water services will continue to operate as normal.
Gisborne District Council will continue to own and manage drinking water, wastewater and stormwater services across the district.
From 1 July 2027, water services charges will appear separately from other Council rates. This reflects new requirements to keep water services finances separate from other Council activities.
This is not a new charge and does not mean people will pay twice for water services. It simply makes the cost of providing these services clearer and improves transparency and accountability.
Most of the changes are happening behind the scenes. We are:
- Establishing a financially ring-fenced Water Services Business Unit
- Developing long-term planning and investment programmes
- Introducing separate financial reporting for water services
- Strengthening asset management and service planning
- Meeting new legislative and regulatory requirements
This work will help us continue to provide safe, reliable and sustainable water services for our community.
Our Water, Our Way - Water Services Delivery Plan
The Government has accepted Our Water, Our Way, Gisborne's Water Services Delivery Plan. The plan sets out how we'll continue to deliver water services under the Local Water Done Well reforms. It confirms our commitment to local ownership, local decision-making and sustainable water services for our community.
We are now implementing the plan ahead of the Water Services Business Unit beginning operations on 1 July 2027. This plan includes:
- $214 million of investment in water infrastructure
- Renewal of nearly 50km of underground water mains
- A dedicated Water Services Committee to support partnership with mana whenua
Read the plan
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Timeline to 1 July 2027
- 12 December 2024 - Council considered delivery options and approved in principal a preferred approach for community consultation Report on Council agenda
- April - May 2025 - community consultation on water service delivery options
- August 2025 - Council adopted the Water Services Delivery Plan - Report on Council agenda
- November 2025 - The Government accepted Gisborne's Water Services Delivery Plan
- February 2026 - Council established the Interim Water Management Committee
- 2026 - 2027 - We develop key planning, financial and operational frameworks
- Early 2027 - We consult on the Water Services Strategy alongside the Long Term Plan
- June 2027 - Council adopts the Water Services Strategy
- 1 July 2027 - The Water Services Business Unit begins operating.
For more information
About the Water Services Delivery Plans, the future water services delivery system and legislation: