Hurunui Council consults communities on water services delivery

Hurunui District Council is consulting with its communities over the best way to deliver and manage water services under new central government regulations.

Local Water Done Well is the government’s new policy for Three Waters reform. It allows councils to choose the best option for how they deliver drinking water, wastewater and stormwater for their communities.

Hurunui District Mayor Marie Black said the three North Canterbury councils of Hurunui, Kaikoura and Waimakariri had worked closely together to look at the best possible options for their communities.

“It was important to ensure water charges would be affordable and that each council had enough financial headroom for further investment over the next decade or so,” Mayor Black said.

On 25 February 2025, Hurunui Council resolved to go to its communities with two options:

1. establish a joint Water Services Council Controlled Organisation (WSCCO) which would be 100% owned by the Hurunui District Council and the Kaikōura District Council; or

2. provide services through an in-house business unit.

Consultation on the proposed models was approved by Council this week, with consultation opening on 20 March and closing on 21 April.

“We’ve taken a long-term view in coming to this proposal, having considered the most sustainable model for Hurunui for the future,” Mayor Black said. “This looks at water charges over the long term, as well as potential borrowing that could be accessed in the future, to ensure that our infrastructure continues to be robust, fit for purpose and sustainable. The proposed model also offers more scope to work together with other councils in the future, with cost efficiencies and other benefits for our communities.”

Mayor Black said Hurunui Council welcomes opportunities to work more closely with its neighbours with examples of current shared services with Waimakariri District Council including the provision of water to households on the Ashley water scheme and the contracting of water services modelling.

“We are encouraging residents to have their say on this important issue. There will be public meetings held across our district and multiple ways to submit,” Mayor Black said.

Council will hear submissions on 29 April, with 30 April being held as a reserve day. Council will make a decision at a meeting on 13 May 2025.

For more information, please go to Council’s website at www.hurunui.govt.nz, or ring the council at 03 314 8816; Cheviot Freephone: 03 319 8812; Amuri & Hanmer Springs Freephone: 03 315 8400.