Local Water Done Well

On Wednesday 11 June 2025, Tararua District Council voted to progress with a joint water services model alongside Masterton, Carterton, and South Wairarapa District Councils under the Government’s Local Water Done Well reform.

This decision will lead to the formation of a new council-controlled organisation (CCO) to deliver water services across the four districts. The move follows strong community support during consultations held earlier this year.

While acknowledging future challenges, Councillors agreed that a joint approach offers a more cost-effective and sustainable solution than going it alone.

Council will also develop a back-up plan in case any partner council opts out later—though this is not anticipated.

Next steps include signing a Commitment Agreement, preparing a joint Water Services Delivery Plan, and negotiating key terms for the new CCO. A Tararua-specific delivery plan will also be developed in line with the Council’s Long-Term Plan and the new delivery structure.

All councils are required to submit their delivery plans to the Department of Internal Affairs by 3 September 2025.

Results of the Local Water Done Well Consultation

We had a total of 83 submissions for the Local Water Done Well consultation.  Most submitters live in the Tararua District and have their water and/or wastewater provided by TDC.

54 people voted for Option 1 (CCO), and 26 voted for Option 2 (stand alone), with 3 submitters not stating their preference.

Age range
Do you live within the Tararua District boundary?
Does the Tararua District Council provide your drinking water and/or wastewater?
Which option do you prefer?
The Wairarapa and Tararua Mayors are calling on residents of their respective districts to indicate their preference on one of the biggest council decisions in decades – how drinking water, wastewater and stormwater will be managed in the future.

South Wairarapa, Carterton, Masterton, and Tararua district councils are consulting on whether water services should be managed under a new council-controlled water organisation for Wairarapa-Tararua or continue under existing approaches.

The change is part of the Government’s Local Water Done Well (LWDW) reforms, with all four district councils consulting separately with their communities:

Consultation open from 14 March to 22 April 2025.

Get your copy of the consultation document to learn more about the options proposed and make sure you have everything you need to make a submission and share your views.

Download the Consultation Document (11.3MB)

Slow internet? Download a low-resolution version of the Consultation Document here.

Consultation venues

We have a number of evening consultation venues and daytime drop in sessions taking place where elected members and key staff will be able to explain Local Water Done Well and take questions from the public.  Submissions can also be made in person at these venues.

Check out our handy Fact Sheet

How to make a submission

  • Make a submission using the online submission form (below)
  • Download the fillable PDF, fill it in and email it to submissions@tararuadc.govt.nz
  • Fill in a hardcopy form from one of our libraries or customer service centres and drop it in a box in person
  • Fill in a hardcopy form and post it to us:
    Local Water Done Well Consultation
    FreePost 69367
    PO Box 115, Dannevirke 4942
    Please note NZ Post delivery timeframes.

Online submission form

Printable (hardcopy) form

Fillable (PDF) form

Public Information Events

We're coming to you. Join us for an evening information session or a drop-in session near you to gather information or chat to our teams about the options proposed.

Evening Information Sessions

There will be information sessions across the District, running from 7:00pm to 8:30pm at the following venues.

  • 17 March - Dannevirke Town Hall
  • 24 March - Pongaroa War Memorial Hall
  • 27 March - Norsewood War Memorial Hall
  • 31 March - Eketāhuna Community Centre
  • 2 April - Woodville Sports Stadium
  • 4 April - Dannevirke Town Hall
  • 8 April - Pahiatua Town Hall
Drop-in Sessions

There will also be drop-in sessions at the following venues and times:

  • 18 March - Pahiatua Council Chambers, 8:30-11:30am
  • 21 March - Woodville isite Meeting Room, 9:00-11:00am
  • 21 March - Dannevirke Council Chambers, 1:00-4:00pm
  • 24 March - Eketāhuna War Memorial Hall, 9:00-11:00am
  • 24 March - Pahiatua Council Chambers, 1:00-4:00pm
  • 28 March - Woodville isite Meeting Room, 9:00-11:00am
  • 28 March - Dannevirke Council Chambers, 1:00-4:00pm
  • 1 April - Eketāhuna War Memorial Hall, 9:00-11:00am
  • 1 April - Pahiatua Council Chambers, 1:00-4:00pm

Available Information