News and Events / 2025

Planning for our future water services

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We are preparing a Water Services Delivery Plan (WSDP). This is a new requirement under national legislation to ensure water services (drinking water, wastewater, and stormwater) are delivered in a way that is safe, affordable, and sustainable.

We need to submit our plan to the Government by 3 September 2025, and we want to hear from you before we do.

What's this all about?

This consultation is required by law under the Local Government (Water Services Preliminary Arrangements) Act 2024. It ensures that Chatham Islanders have a say in how water services are delivered and funded.

Our proposed model involves a partnership with a well-established and experienced third-party provider. The Chatham Islands Council would retain local oversight, while Watercare would provide technical expertise and manage service delivery. The Chatham Islands Council have been in discussions with Auckland Council regarding provision of a wide range of services, which might extend to the support for water services delivery via their CCO, Watercare.

The plan includes a financial strategy that aims to keep water services affordable while meeting national standards. Government funding will be essential to support upgrades and avoid placing too much burden on ratepayers.

The plan will ensure water services meet national safety and environmental standards. It also supports future monitoring and regulation by the Commerce Commission.

Why is this important?

Water services on the Chatham Islands face unique challenges:

  • Our infrastructure is aging and hard to maintain
  • We rely heavily on Government funding
  • Our small population makes it hard to spread costs
  • We need upgrades to support housing and growth
  • We must meet new national standards for water safety and environmental protection.

What options were considered?

Council looked at five possible ways to deliver water services. Most were ruled out because they were too expensive or complex for our situation.

Three options were considered in detail:

  • Status quo – Council continues to manage water services directly.
  • Delivery partner model – Council keeps control but works with a trusted partner to help manage and deliver services. We are currently in discussions with Auckland Council regarding the potential for Watercare, their Water Services CCO, to support our water services delivery.
  • Multi-Council Organisation – Council joins with other councils to create a shared water company.

What’s the preferred option?

Delivery partner model.

This option is recommended because it:

  • Keeps local control with the Council
  • Brings in expert help from a well-established and experienced third party
  • Offers better value and service for residents
  • Is more likely to attract long-term Government funding
  • Reduces financial and operational risks.

Who pays for it?

The plan will include:

  • A financial strategy to ensure long-term sustainability
  • A proposal for Government funding to support upgrades
  • A fair approach to water charges for residents.

What does this mean for you?

  • Waitangi: Improved water services, with a small increase in charges to reflect better service.
  • Kaingaroa: The current network would be decommissioned. Homes would get tanks and filters, plus access to emergency water. A reduction in targeted rates reflecting reduction in service.
  • Te One: Not included in this plan for now, but could be added later if funding and agreements are in place.

Tell us what you think

We’re asking for your views on:

  • The proposed delivery model
  • How it will be funded
  • What it means for service levels and reliability
  • How it supports housing, growth, and environmental goals

How to have your say

Feedback is open from Friday 1 August to Friday 22 August 2025.