South Wairarapa, Carterton, Masterton and Tararua District Councils have joined forces to improve how they provide water services to their communities. The four councils submitted their joint Water Services Delivery Plan to Government for approval on 29 August 2025.

Earlier this year, each council sought community views on the available options. Most people supported a joint approach - between 60% and 88% of people in each area said yes. The councils then worked collaboratively with local iwi, Rangitāne and Ngāti Kahungunu, to help design the new delivery model.

Once the Plan is approved by Government, the four councils anticipate establishing by 1 July 2026, a joint Council Controlled Organisation to manage water services across the four council districts. Each council will be a shareholder in the new organisation. Day to day operational management would commence on 1 July 2027.

The new regional water organisation will deliver:

• Lower costs to communities over time by working together more efficiently
• Better and more reliable water services
• More money available for important improvements.

Tararua District Council looks forward to a new regime that will deliver better services to its communities.