South Wairarapa has joined neighbours Carterton, Masterton and Tararua District Councils to deliver water services into the future in a partnership that reflects a shared understanding of the unique needs of small rural towns.

“Water reform and the decisions we have had to make have been driven by central government. Throughout this Council term alone, we’ve navigated working within two governments shifting frameworks while doing our utmost to make decisions that serve our community’s best interests,” shared Deputy Mayor and Council’s water spokesperson Melissa Sadler-Futter.

“Consultation with the community earlier this year showed strong support for establishing a regional Water Services Organisation and Council decisions this week are in line with that support. To arrive at the Wairarapa-Tararua model, a wide range of delivery models were considered and carefully analysed before being presented to the community for feedback.”

With distributed infrastructure and assets across South Wairarapa’s three main towns along with some smaller townships, there is immense work ahead to upgrade and maintain the district’s infrastructure to meet current and future needs of the community. This is not achievable under the current approach and any option other than a Wairarapa – Tararua regional solution would be more expensive, for example the stand-alone option based on the same assumptions and criteria could result in charges in excess of $11,000 by 2034, and would not deliver the resilient, reliable, efficient services needed.

“Together, we’ve shaped a Water Services Delivery Plan for an entity with a governance structure that is fit for purpose, financially responsible, and committed to supporting local providers and creating jobs in our region.”

Affordability has been a consistent concern shares Sadler-Futter. “While the projected costs are difficult to digest, it’s important to remember they are based on current assumptions and the best available data. Once the new entity is operational, it will have tools and efficiencies at its disposal that could improve these figures over time.”

“This Water Services Delivery Plan represents the best possible path forward under current conditions. It’s not perfect, but it’s principled, collaborative, and grounded in the needs of our people.”

Council has taken proactive steps to advocate for the community, writing to the Minister alongside Mayor Alex Walker of Central Hawke’s Bay to highlight the real and unique challenges faced by small rural councils, seeking tangible changes that reflect the reality of water infrastructure and investment required. The Council would welcome the opportunity to continue to work with other similar rural Councils and central government on further action that could be taken to support this transition in our districts.

ENDS

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