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What is Local Water Done Well?

Local Water Done Well is the Government's new approach to water services delivery and the country's ageing infrastructure. The Government has told us what we need to do, and the level of infrastructure we need to meet. It has also mandated timelines.

Central Hawke's Bay, if you're a ratepayer that is connected to our water network, we need you to make a decision on how our water is managed and delivered. This is because you are going to pay for it through your rates.

And as we ramp up delivery of infrastructure to meet the mandated standards set by Government, there will be steep rates increases.

We have three options of how we can deliver water to you. Our preferred option is Option #1 The Hawke’s Bay Regional Controlled Organisation, which provides the greatest benefit at the lowest cost to our district.

Water service delivery refers to:

  • the water that comes from our treatment plants to your taps and toilets.
  • the wastewater that is flushed back down the toilets and sinks to our treatment plants.
  • rain water that flows through our stormwater drains back to our waterways.

Consultation runs from 12 May until 5pm 15 June 2025.

If you're connected to our water services, you are paying for this with your rates. It's critical that you make a submission and share your opinion on how your money is spent.

What it means for you

We all need our water to be delivered in a safe, sustainable and reliable way.

Central Hawke's Bay District Council has decided on three options for consultation (which you can read more about below)

Option #1 A Regional Council-controlled organisation - this is our preferred option

Option #2 A Central Hawke's Bay District Council-controlled water organisation

Option #3 In-house delivery (Council delivered services)- similar to what we are already doing.

What we need you to do is feedback on these options - that's so the final decision reflects your needs on how our water service delivery is managed, and because it is your money we will be spending. Read more about the pros and cons of each option below.

We will consider your feedback in our final decision

Consultation Options

  • Option #1: Regional CCO - the preferred option

    A Regional Council-controlled organisation that is jointly owned by Central Hawke's Bay District Council, Hastings District Council, Napier City Council and Wairoa District Council. This option costs the least and delivers the most benefits.

    Read all about it here 

  • Option #2: Central Hawke's Bay CCO

    A single Council- controlled water organisation. It would be called the Central Hawke’s Bay Water Services Council Controlled Organisation (CHB WSCCO). It costs the most, with fewer benefits than #Option 1 but more benefits than #Option 3.

    Read all about it here 

  • Option #3: In-house delivery

    This is an in-house (or in-Council) water service delivery option. It's very similar to what we already do, but it will cost us a lot more. That's because the legislation aligned with LWDW sets firm guidelines about upscaling investment in infrastructure. It would cost more than #Option 1, but it has the fewest benefits

    Read all about it here 

Rates Reality
FAQ's: Click here open in new window

Have your say - tell us which option you prefer

Have your say on the future of our water services from 12 May to 5pm 15 June 2025.