Ruapehu-Whanganui Water Services Delivery Plan
Joint WSDP approved
The Department of Internal Affairs (DIA) has formally signed off the joint Water Services Delivery Plan (WSDP) for Ruapehu and Whanganui District Councils under the Government’s Local Water Done Well reforms.
This approval clears the way for the creation of a two-council Water Services Council Controlled Organisation (WS-CCO), which will deliver drinking water, wastewater, and stormwater services to around 25,000 water connections across both districts. The assets will be retained in public ownership.
Assessment of the WSDP was carried out by a panel made up of senior representatives from funding agencies, the Commerce Commission, the Water Services Authority, the DIA, and an independent external observer.
In approving the plan, Secretary for Local Government Paul James acknowledged the level of detail and the considerable time both councils put into its development.
New WS-CCO
The new WS-CCO is planned to be operational by July 2027.
Until then, Ruapehu and Whanganui will continue to manage their own water services.
From next year, the DIA will monitor progress on the development of the WS-CCO on a quarterly basis.
Pricing and Ruapehu water charges key DIA focus
DIA have stated they will focus on two key areas being the pricing strategy and its impact on projected water service charges for Ruapehu District, and delivery of projects required to achieve regulatory compliance.
The Secretary for Local Government has also signalled an expectation that the WS-CCO will explore options for price harmonisation and potential future collaboration with other entities to access the benefits of scale and help address Ruapehu’s affordability challenges.
DIA Assessment Report on WSDP
The WSDP Assessment Report will be published on the DIA website.
