Gore District Council backs joint council water services model

Gore District councillors have voted for a multi-council-owned organisation as their preferred option for the future delivery of water services in Gore and Mataura.

The Council joins its Southern Water Done Well partners - Clutha District Council, Central Otago District Council, and Waitaki District Council - in selecting a jointly owned Council-Controlled Organisation (CCO) as their preferred model to meet the transformational changes mandated in the Government’s Local Water Done Well legislation.

All four councils will consult their communities on water services delivery options early next month.

The options are:

• A jointly owned CCO (preferred option)

• A stand-alone CCO

• An in-house business unit

Gore District Mayor Ben Bell welcomed today’s decision, emphasising that councils across the country face increasing water service costs and the urgent need to renew ageing infrastructure.

“Irrespective of the delivery model, the financial burden on councils and communities is growing. One thing is clear - the more people who share the costs, the more affordable they become for everyone,” he said.

While costs will continue to rise, financial modelling shows that a jointly owned CCO would result in lower water service charges compared to the other two options. It would also provide economies of scale while ensuring communities retain a local voice.

"Local Water Done Well marks a new era for water services in New Zealand, and councils must evolve with it.

“Over the next 10 to 30 years, we are facing multi-million-dollar investments to maintain and upgrade our infrastructure. Under the current model, this would place an untenable financial burden on our Council and community.”

The public will be able to provide feedback on the options from Friday 9 May until Friday 6 June.

All councils must submit a Water Services Delivery Plan to the Government by 3 September, outlining how they will meet regulatory requirements, support growth, and ensure financial sustainability.

ENDS

You will find more information on Southern Water Done Well at https://lets.talk.goredc.govt.nz/swdw