22 February 2019

South Wairarapa District Council is today starting consultation on its proposal to join Wellington Water.

If approved, SWDC will join five other councils – Wellington, Porirua, Hutt and Upper Hutt and Greater Wellington Regional Council. The Council would become a shareholder in the limited, not-for-profit company, which would be contracted to provide management services for its three waters networks, and water races.

Management of three waters – drinking water, stormwater and wastewater – currently accounts for up just under thirty percent of Council’s operating and capital expenditure. Council is making this proposal as a solution to address increasing regulatory and financial constraints.

SWDC Chief Executive Paul Crimp says, “this is an important opportunity for us and we’re keen to hear your views”.

Under the proposed arrangements, SWDC would retain ownership of its three waters infrastructure and water race infrastructure. Some operational assets would transfer to Wellington Water, but not infrastructure assets. The Council would retain a direct relationship with the Wellington Water Committee.

Further details including the Statement of Proposal and submission form are available on our website, as well as in libraries and service centres in the district.

Submissions close 4pm, 15 March 2019, with a hearing to be held on 27 March 2019 (if required).