Upcoming Local Water Done Well Changes

Over the past few years, central government developed new legislation and operating reforms for how water supply (drinking water), wastewater and stormwater would be managed throughout New Zealand. This was to address the growing pressure all councils were facing to deliver water services efficiently, safely and affordably.

A Water Services Delivery Plan is a key piece of work for us at present. By September this year we must submit a plan to government for how Napier will deliver water services – stormwater, wastewater and water supply – in the future. We are continuing to work with the Regional Recovery Agency on modelling for a Hawke’s Bay-wide water service delivery model. At the same time, we are progressing work on what a Napier-only model could look like. These models will be considered by Council in April this year. The community will have a chance to have their say on the future of Napier’s water services in May/June 2025.

Until community consultation is undertaken and a Council decision is made on which model Napier will pursue, our budgets are being prepared assuming that Napier City Council will continue to provide water supply, wastewater and stormwater services to Napier residents. Our investment in water services will be the same as our historical investment until a way forward is decided. Currently, central government has not committed to additional funding to implement a new model.