The New Zealand Government’s Local Water Done Well reform programme will see the establishment of Central Districts Water from July 2027. This new jointly owned water services organisation will be responsible for delivering drinking water, wastewater, and stormwater services across three council areas: Horowhenua, Palmerston North, and Rangitikei. The organisation is being established and governed by its three shareholding councils: Horowhenua District Council, Palmerston North City Council, and Rangitīkei District Council.
Central Districts Water is being created in response to long-term changes in how water services are regulated, funded, and delivered across New Zealand. The reforms reflect increasing expectations around public health, environmental protection, climate resilience, and affordability. The new structure also addresses the significant investment required to replace ageing infrastructure and support growth across the region.
Palmerston North City Council consulted with its community in 2025 on the future management of the city’s water services. Elected members subsequently confirmed the decision to partner with Horowhenua and Rangitīkei District Councils on the new regional water organisation. The councils have since adopted a joint Water Services Delivery Plan, which has received government approval.
The governance framework for Central Districts Water has now been confirmed, ensuring that water services remain locally overseen, locally managed, and locally accountable. Central Districts Water has established its own website providing information about the new organisation and ongoing updates about the transition to the new water services delivery model under the Local Water Done Well programme.
Read the full article at Palmerston North City Council – News →
Source: Palmerston North City Council – News. This summary was published by Input Ltd via amalgamation.nz, New Zealand’s central resource for local government amalgamation news and council merger updates.
