Northland to establish new cross-council water organisation
Water reforms update: We're teaming up with Kaipara District Council and Far North District Council to deliver drinking water and wastewater services in Northland, starting July 2027, through a new Council Controlled Organisation (CCO).
Our General Manager for Waters, Andrew Carvell, says that working together with a CCO offers long-term benefits and the strongest path forward for the Northland region. “The new CCO will help ensure all of Northland can meet the increased compliance requirements under the new Local Water Done Well Central Government legislation, and address growth in the region.”
A major focus for the 'Local Water Done Well' Working Group has been to design a financial model that recognises the different starting points of each council in terms of water assets, debt levels and infrastructure investment needs.
“Councils have agreed to a model that will see financials ring-fenced for each district and have varying water charges to start with,” says Mr Carvell.
“Whangārei District carries comparatively little debt on its water activities, so we are exploring options to transfer debt from Whangarei District Council budgeted activities to the CCO. This would significantly reduce Whangarei District Council’s overall debt levels and ensure that CCO balance sheets are better aligned with the other councils from day one.”
All three councils are now working together to prepare a water services delivery plan, which must be submitted to Central Government by 3 September 2025. Once formed, the CCO will prioritise the critical issues for each district and review its approach to finances and water charges within the first three years.
Media release: www.wdc.govt.nz...
Poll: Should the government levy industries that contribute to financial hardship?
As reported in the Post, there’s a $30 million funding gap in financial mentoring. This has led to services closing and mentors stepping in unpaid just to keep helping people in need 🪙💰🪙
One proposed solution? Small levies on industries that profit from financial hardship — like banks, casinos, and similar companies.
So we want to hear what you think:
Should the government ask these industries to contribute?
-
59.8% Yes, supporting people is important!
-
25.9% No, individuals should take responsibility
-
14.4% ... It is complicated
A Neighbourly Riddle! Don’t Overthink It… Or Do?😜
Do you think you know the answer? Simply 'Like' this post if you know the answer and the big reveal will be posted in the comments at 2pm on the day!
If you multiply this number by any other number, the answer will always be the same. What number is this?
Have you got New Zealand's best shed? Show us and win!
Once again, Resene and NZ Gardener are on the hunt for New Zealand’s best shed! Send in the photos and the stories behind your man caves, she sheds, clever upcycled spaces, potty potting sheds and colourful chicken coops. The Resene Shed of the Year 2026 winner receives $1000 Resene ColorShop voucher, a $908 large Vegepod Starter Pack and a one-year subscription to NZ Gardener. To enter, tell us in writing (no more than 500 words) why your garden shed is New Zealand’s best, and send up to five high-quality photos by email to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz. Entries close February 23, 2026.
Loading…
