Outcomes from Local Water Done Well hearings and deliberations

Buller District Council has chosen a direction for how its water services may be delivered in the future.

Between 16 May and 13 June 2025, council invited the Buller community to provide feedback on two options, which were to form either a multi-council-controlled organisation with two or more District Councils, or an internal business unit based within Buller District Council.

At an Extraordinary Council meeting on 30 June 2025, council voted in favour of water services being delivered through the preferred structure of a joint Water Services Council Controlled Organisation (WSCCO) with two or more District Councils, in this case Grey and Westland.

Seven people chose to speak to their submissions during the hearings.
Now this decision has been made, council will begin work on a joint Water Services Delivery Plan in accordance with the coalition government’s Local Water Done Well reform.

This plan will be submitted to the Department of Internal Affairs for approval by the 3 September 2025 deadline. The new arrangements are expected to start coming into effect from the 2027/2028 financial year.

Grey District Council has also chosen the preferred option of a multi-council-controlled organisation, and Westland District Council will make its decision later this month.

Mayor Jamie Cleine has described the Buller District Council’s decision as a pivotal step, taken with the community’s long-term wellbeing in mind.

“We must look beyond immediate concerns and consider the future. With new water reform legislation coming into effect, the cost of water services will continue to rise in the future, no matter which path we take.

However, collaborating closely with our neighbouring communities will support greater affordability over the long term” he concludes.

-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 time of publication. Changes in circumstances after the time of publication may impact on the accuracy of the information.