Timaru District Council is pleased to announce that its Water Services Delivery Plan has been formally accepted by the Secretary for Local Government, following a comprehensive assessment process by the Department of Internal Affairs.

The Plan, submitted in August 2025, sets out a robust pathway for delivering financially sustainable, high-quality water services across the district. The approval follows detailed financial, technical, and legislative review, and recognises the Council’s commitment to best practice, transparency, and community engagement.

Mayor Nigel Bowen thanked council officers for the work they had put into the creation of the plan, saying that it provided a clear plan for future service delivery.

“As a council we have long campaigned for the need for water reform, and the acceptance of our Water Services Delivery Plan is a strong endorsement of our approach to delivering safe, reliable, and affordable water services for our residents, businesses, and industries,” he said.

“Our focus is firmly on the future—ensuring that our water infrastructure is resilient, our investment is sustainable, and our services remain affordable for generations to come. This Plan positions Timaru to meet rising regulatory standards, adapt to growth, and support economic development, while also protecting our environment.

“We are committed to ongoing collaboration with neighbouring councils and stakeholders, and to continuously improving our delivery model so that Timaru, and all other councils that want to join us, remain leader in water services provision.”

The Plan outlines a staged transition to a standalone Water Services Council-Controlled Organisation (WSCCO) for drinking water and wastewater, with stormwater services remaining in-house. This model ensures local accountability, operational efficiency, and the flexibility to partner with other councils in the future.

The key features of the plan include:

• Financial sustainability: Projected revenues and investment levels are sufficient to meet all service, regulatory, and growth requirements, while maintaining affordability for households and businesses.
• Future-proofing: Significant capital investment is planned over the next decade to upgrade and renew critical infrastructure, including the Claremont Water Treatment Plant and resilience projects in Geraldine and Seadown.
• Community engagement: The Plan was developed with extensive public consultation, ensuring that community values and priorities are reflected in the delivery model.
• Regional collaboration: The Council remains open to future partnerships with neighbouring districts to achieve greater efficiencies and knowledge sharing.

The council will continue to work with the Department of Internal Affairs, who will monitor the implementation of the Plan, including transitional funding arrangements and opportunities for further regional collaboration.

The full Water Services Delivery Plan has been published on the Council’s website here: https://www.timaru.govt.nz/council/publications/plans/water-services-delivery-plan