Palmerston North City Council, Horowhenua District Council, and Rangitīkei District Council are establishing a new jointly owned water services organisation called Central Districts Water. From July 2027, this organisation will be responsible for delivering drinking water, wastewater, and stormwater services across the three districts as part of the government’s Local Water Done Well reform programme.
The three councils confirmed their partnership in 2025 after consulting with their communities. Since then, they have adopted a joint Water Services Delivery Plan, received government approval, and confirmed a governance framework designed to ensure water services remain locally overseen, managed, and accountable. Central Districts Water is now operational with its own website providing updates and information.
The reform responds to long-term changes in how water services are regulated, funded, and delivered across New Zealand. Increasing expectations around public health, environmental protection, climate resilience, and affordability have driven these changes, along with the need for significant investment to replace ageing infrastructure and support growth across the region.
Central Districts Water represents a regional approach to local government water service delivery, with the three shareholding councils maintaining joint ownership and governance. This model aims to balance the need for improved water services with local accountability and control over essential infrastructure serving the communities of Horowhenua, Palmerston North, and Rangitīkei.
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.
