Ōtorohanga District Council signals support for Waikato Water Done Well

   Added 2 weeks ago

Ōtorohanga District Council has confirmed its support for Waikato Water Done Well – a proposed regional approach to managing water services that places people, local identity, and environmental protection at its core.

This move aligns with the Government’s new Local Water Done Well framework, which requires councils to present a plan for delivering water services that is both financially sustainable and meets national quality standards. Councils have until September this year to finalise their approach.

At the Council meeting today, 8 April 2025, Elected Members endorsed Waikato Water Done Well as their preferred model for water services delivery. The regional Council Controlled Organisation (CCO) model is being explored by seven councils across the Waikato. This includes Waitomo, Matamata-Piako, Hauraki, South Waikato, Taupō, Waipā, and Ōtorohanga.

All have signed a non-binding Heads of Agreement as they work through individual decision-making processes.

Ōtorohanga Mayor Max Baxter says the Council’s focus has been to ensure long term benefits for both the district and the wider region.

“Our top priority is ensuring our community gets safe and reliable water services - now and into the future” said Mayor Baxter, “the Waikato Water Done Well model reflects the values of our district while creating opportunities for shared investment, local input, and regional collaboration. It just makes sense”.

Mayor Baxter also acknowledged the broader benefits of the model, including a stronger platform for rural and provincial councils to work together. Key advantages outlined in Council’s report were:

• A regionally driven solution that allows councils to retain influence over the delivery of water services
• Better workforce resilience, especially for smaller and rural councils facing resourcing challenges
• More predictable and balanced investment for contractors and industry partners
• A collaborative structure that supports iwi involvement, economic partnership, and employment pathways.

Community engagement on the proposal will begin on 9 April, kicking off with a series of three public meetings: 

Ōtorohanga Club - Wednesday, 9 April 2025, 7pm

Arohena Hall - Thursday, 10 April 2025, 7pm

Kāwhia Hall - Tuesday, 15 April 2024, 7pm 

Further information about Local Water Done Well, including how to have your say, can be found at https://engage.otodc.govt.nz/local-water-done-well