Council kicks off Local Water Done Well conversation
Council will ask the community for feedback on how the district’s drinking, storm and wastewater are managed in the future. Consultation runs between Friday, 16 May and 4:30 pm Friday, 13 June 2025.
The community can indicate their preference for one of two feasible options. These are creating a multi-council-controlled organisation (CCO) with the Grey and Westland District Councils or setting up a stand-alone business unit, meaning that water services would be managed by an independent entity within council.
Council’s preferred option is to establish a multi-council CCO jointly owned by the Grey, Westland and Buller District Councils.
Creating a multi council organisation with the other West Coast councils could save Buller ratepayers about $1000 a year, compared to keeping services in-house. A regional approach would create cost savings through jointly procuring contracts, acquiring supplies, sharing software and vehicles, and streamlining decision-making.
Buller Mayor Jamie Cleine said he had thought for some time that working with other councils was a smart idea, especially if this could bring multiple benefits for residents of Buller.
“Now I look forward to hearing from the community on where we have got to so far and potentially working further with both Grey and Westland. Government has mandated significant changes, and working collaboratively with others is an essential avenue to explore.”
The alternative option proposed by council would be to deliver drinking, storm and wastewater through a separate, stand-alone internal business unit. Under this option, property owners would pay higher charges than under the multi-council CCO, and council would not have the ability to borrow more under the Local Government Funding Agency to meet the Act's infrastructure investment requirements.
Buller must invest $32.4 million over the coming nine years (2025 – 2034) to provide the communities with drinking water. Further significant investments are required for wastewater treatment and stormwater management.
Chief Executive Simon Pickford highlights: “Local Water Done Well is a mandated reset of how we deliver water in the future and address the significant investment backlog.
This is a complex issue, but I encourage everyone to understand the challenges and engage in the conversation over the coming weeks.”
The community can get informed through watching videos, attending information evenings, listening to podcasts, reading the consultation document, or talking to councillors and staff.
All three West Coast councils are consulting with their communities at the same time. All have indicated a preference to form a multi-council CCO.
The Consultation Document, submission forms and further information are available online via Let’s Talk Buller or at the council’s offices and libraries, the Karamea Information Centre, and the Ngakawau Community Centre during the consultation period.
People who want to speak in support of their submission can address council during the hearings in late June 2025.
All feedback received will be considered by councillors during deliberations in late June, before council will decide on one option.
-ENDS-
For further information, please contact:
Community Engagement Team
Buller District Council
Media.Enquiries@bdc.govt.nz
Disclaimer
The information in this media release was correct at the time of publication. Changes in circumstances after the time of publication may impact on the accuracy of the information.