Carterton District Council has resolved to exit the Wellington Region Water Services Delivery Plan project and focus on developing a joint Wairarapa-Tararua Water Services Delivery Plan.
The decision was made during today’s Ordinary Council Meeting [Wednesday, 30 October].
Carterton is the first Council to signal a preference away from the Wellington Region plan, towards a local model, aligning with Masterton, South Wairarapa, and Tararua District Councils.
The local option, referred to as “Wai+T” will be further developed and put forward for community consultation in 2025.
The shift comes as part of the Government’s Local Water Done Well initiative, introduced through the Local Government (Water Services Preliminary Arrangements) Act 2024, to address long-standing water infrastructure issues.
The legislation mandates that Councils produce a comprehensive Water Services Delivery Plan and implementation plan by 3 September 2025.
Hon. Ron Mark, Mayor of Carterton District Council, said the plan must have an emphasis on financial sustainability and enhanced regulatory oversight.
“For us, the question is Wai? The answer is “Wairarapa”.
“Carterton District Council is being courageous by leading the push for a local solution and I commend our elected representatives for their foresight.
“I also share thanks to the project teams for the quality of work, especially our Carterton District Council team members and those from our neighbouring Councils, who have built a compelling case for change.
“The most important next steps are the decisions from other Councils, and consultation with our community on the way forward.”
Further legislation to establish economic and quality regulation for water services is anticipated in mid-2025. Carterton District Council will consider at least two future water delivery models, as required, in consultation with the community, one of which will be the status quo of Council-owned and managed water services and assets.