Waikato Water Done Well - now to be known as Waikato Waters Limited - is a water services delivery model developed to meet the requirements of the Government's Local Water Done Well legislation.

Waipā is joining six other district councils to form the entity. They are: Matamata-Piako, Hauraki, Ōtorohanga, Waitomo, South Waikato and Taupō.

The establishment of the new water organisation is underway with Waipā set to transfer its water assets on July 1, 2026.

There's a lot of work to do between now and then, and looking after our people is paramount, so a transition team is being established to lead the process.

Background

How did we get here?

The Government introduced its Local Water Done Well policy replacing the previous government’s Three Waters reform programme. It began to ensure everyone in Aotearoa New Zealand has safe, clean drinking water and to improve the way wastewater and stormwater are managed.

It has brought new rules for investment, borrowing and pricing and new options for how we deliver water services.

Councils throughout New Zealand are required to formulate a Water Services Delivery Plan by September 2025. The plan will show how they will deliver services that meet the new water quality and infrastructure standards, support growth and urban development, that will be financially sustainable and can meet new regulatory standards by June 2028.

Consultation with our community

In May, we began consulting with our community on our preferred option to join six other rural/provincial councils to form a Council Controlled Organisation. At the time it was called Waikato Water Done Well.

We received 108 submissions and even people presented their submissions in person.

After deliberating on the submissions, the Council made the decision to join Waikato Waters at its meeting on Friday, July 18.

  • Local Water Done Well consultation

    Learn more about the Local Water Done Well consultation with our community.

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Water Services Delivery Plan

Stay updated

Waikato Water Done Well timeline

Waikato Water Done Well timeline

Newsletter updates

Stay informed with the latest updates featured in the newsletters.

5 August: WWL Newsletter Korero Wai

Councils

Select the icons below on the map to view the Local Water Done Well consultations for the seven Councils forming the Council Controlled Organisation entity.

Map of the Waikato Water Done Well councils

FAQs

Frequently asked questions

Waikato Waters Limited was incorporated on Monday, July 28.

The programme team is based at 149 Ossie James Drive, near Hamilton Airport while they work through the transition phases. A permanent location is yet to be confirmed.

Waipā will transfer its water assets to Waikato Water on July 1, 2026.

Waitomo and South Waikato will also join on July 1, 2026. Matamata-Piako will join on October1, 2026 and Otorohanga and Hauraki July 1, 2027. The six councils will be stage two shareholders.

Taupō District Council will join Waikato Waters as a shareholder in a limited capacity. Under this option, it will continue to deliver water services in-house but will collaborate with Waikato Waters and obtain services from it (this may include procurement and some shared services). They will review their position again in two years’ time.

A chief executive will be appointed following the establishment of the board.

In August, the Shareholders Representative Forum (made up of the seven district Mayors) appointed a board chair and two directors.

The Chair, Elena Trout, is joined by directors Jon Lamonte and Jaydene Kana.


Learn more about Waikato Waters