West Coast councils consider adopting joint Water Services Delivery Plan under Local Water Done Well

The Buller, Grey and Westland district councils will this week vote on whether to adopt a new Water Services Delivery Plan and submit it to the Government by 3 September.

The plan is required under the Government’s water reform programme, Local Water Done Well. This replaced the affordable Water Reform of the previous government and applies to drinking water, wastewater and stormwater.

The Local Water Done Well policy required all councils to consult on at least two options for the future of their water services. Retaining the status quo was not an option.

The Buller, Grey and Westland councils voted to set up a Water Services Council-Controlled Organisation (WSCCO) by July 2027, with equal representation on the shareholding forum, as well as representation from iwi. By working together, water services will be more cost-effective for the Coast than a single entity, and the cost of delivering these services through a WSCCO will be cheaper for ratepayers. Further details can be found in the Q&As on each council’s website.

The West Coast plan, which is before the three councils this week, is a snapshot of the current state of water services as well as a plan for the future. The plan is based on the best information available at this time, but there are still areas of uncertainty.

The Government requires all Delivery Plans to be assessed for financial sustainability, with further scrutiny from the Commerce Commission to ensure value for money for consumers.

The first stage will be to set up a Shareholders’ Representative Forum including the mayor and two elected members from each council, along with iwi representation.

They in turn will appoint the CCO board which will be responsible for approving the Shareholders’ Agreement, the transfer of assets, appointing the WSCCO board and providing a ‘Letter of Expectation’ to the board.

Buller District Council chief executive Simon Pickford said: “This is a really exciting opportunity to show how the West Coast work together to get the best outcome for our communities.”

Grey District Council chief executive Joanne Soderlund said “With Local Water Done Well requiring a different delivery model and the status quo off the table, this plan keeps
decisions on the Coast while building the scale to modernise our networks, meet higher standards and leverage efficiencies”.

Westland District Council chief executive Barbara Phillips said: “Our goal is to protect local decision-making and shape a solution that works for our communities.”

Acceptance, or otherwise, of the West Coast Councils’ Water Services Delivery Plan is expected from the Government by the end of December.

Further details can be found in the Q&As under documents on Let's Talk Buller.

Key upcoming three waters projects per district:

Westland
Hokitika Wastewater Treatment Plant
Franz Josef Wastewater Treatment Plant
Blue Spur Membrane Replacement

Grey
Greater Greymouth water treatment plant upgrade
Karoro/South Beach/Paroa wastewater redirected to Greater Greymouth (Preston Road)
Sewer/stormwater separation on private property

Buller
Westport Wastewater and Stormwater 10 Year Separation Programme
Untreated Northern Buller Supply Drinking Water Programme
Reefton Wastewater Resource Consent Renewal and SW Separation

-ENDS-

For further information please contact:
Buller District Council: media.enquiries@bdc.govt.nz 
Grey District Council: communications@greydc.govt.nz
Westland District Council: communications@westlanddc.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.