Water Services Delivery Plan Adopted
The Manawatū District Council has proudly adopted its Water Services Delivery Plan, marking a significant milestone for the district. Choosing a standalone, in-house model to deliver its Waters Services (drinking water, wastewater, and stormwater) reflects the district’s strong financial footing, years of proactive investment, and a clear message of confidence from the community.
Council officers have worked closely with the Department of Internal Affairs throughout the development of the delivery services plan to ensure the proposed plan aligns with national requirements and will be readily accepted by central government.
Mayor Helen Worboys expressed her pride in the achievement, stating: “This plan is the result of years of careful investment and foresight by Council. Our team has built a strong and respected working relationship with the Department of Internal Affairs, ensuring open dialogue and constructive feedback throughout. The adoption of this standalone model is proof that our district is well positioned to manage our Water Services into the future.”
The decision to adopt the standalone model follows extensive community consultation earlier this year. Council received over 500 submissions, with the overwhelming majority sending a clear message to ‘keep doing what you’re doing.’ That strong endorsement gave Council the mandate to retain control of water services locally, rather than shifting to a shared or outsourced model.
The Water Services Delivery Plan will now be formally submitted to the DIA ahead of the legislative deadline in September 2025 and will provide the foundation for how Water Services are managed, maintained, and improved across the Manawatū District for years to come. This achievement is more than just a compliance requirement. It is a testament to the confidence the community has in Council’s ability to safeguard the district’s most vital resource.