Public notice of consultation on the options to deliver Buller District’s drinking, storm and wastewater

Buller District Council are commencing a consultative procedure to obtain community views on the options of how to manage the district’s drinking water, stormwater and wastewater in the future as required under the Local Water Done Well legislation.  

Local Water Done Well is the government’s approach to reforming the way water services are delivered in New Zealand in the future. The aim is to address New Zealand’s long-standing water infrastructure challenges. 

The Local Government (Water Services Preliminary Arrangements) Bill 2024 requires all territorial authorities to consult with its communities prior to deciding whether or not to establish, join, or amend a water services council-controlled organisation; or to establish a joint local government arrangement.  

These options must be consulted with the public under Section 52 of the Local Government (Water Service Preliminary Arrangements) Bill 2024. Therefore, Buller District Council is seeking the community's feedback on the options before the Water Service Delivery Plan can be adopted. 

A Consultation Document has been prepared which summarises the options to deliver water services, how each option is likely to affect  levels of service, and any charges for water services. The Consultation Document, submission form, and other associated documents are available for inspection and may be obtained from the District Councils’ offices, libraries and on Council’s community engagement hub Let’s talk Buller.  

Written submissions on the options are invited during the consultation period from Friday, 16 May to 4:30 pm on Friday 13 June 2025. Late submissions will not be considered. 

Submissions can be made online via Councils’ community engagement hub Let's talk Buller, delivered to Councils’ offices, emailed to submissions@bdc.govt.nz , or posted to Councils’ main office.  

If you have any questions, please contact Buller District Council.  

Submitters who wish to speak will be given the opportunity to address the Council in support of their submission at a hearing in late June 2025.