Hamilton and Waikato Councils Launch NZ's First Joint Water Services Plan

In a landmark move for local government collaboration in New Zealand, Hamilton City Council and Waikato District Council have jointly unveiled the country’s first multi-council water services delivery plan, a development welcomed by Local Government Minister Simon Watts as a model for the rest of the nation.

The delivery plan, launched under the Government’s “Local Water Done Well” initiative, signals a shift towards more sustainable, community-led management of critical water infrastructure. The collaborative approach is designed to improve service quality, reduce ratepayer burden, and support long-term growth across both council areas.

Putting Ratepayers First with Local Collaboration

“This is an achievement that will be welcomed by all ratepayers,” said Minister Watts. “We have been very clear that local government needs to focus on core business, and I am delighted that these two councils are the first to embrace the benefits to ratepayers of collaboration under Local Water Done Well.”

The new joint entity will be responsible for delivering drinking water, wastewater, and associated infrastructure services to approximately 280,000 residents. This move promises safe, reliable, and affordable water services, ensuring operational and financial sustainability for both regions.

Watts noted that the collaboration directly addresses the core challenge of managing rising infrastructure costs, which have historically placed upward pressure on local government rates across the country.

Affordable Infrastructure Investment for Growing Communities

The new delivery plan outlines a significant increase in water infrastructure investment over the next decade, tailored to support expanding communities and business development across Hamilton and the Waikato District. These investments will focus on:

• Upgrading outdated water and wastewater networks

• Ensuring compliance with modern drinking water safety standards

• Enabling residential growth and new housing developments

• Strengthening climate resilience and long-term asset management

Minister Watts underscored the importance of making such investments now to avoid cost blowouts later, stating: “By getting water services on a stable footing and making critical investment now, councils keep rate increases down.”

A key enabler of this plan is enhanced access to financing through the Local Government Funding Agency (LGFA), which offers lower-cost borrowing to local councils for infrastructure projects.

Leadership from Local Mayors and Councils

The initiative has been driven by the committed leadership of Hamilton Mayor Paula Southgate and Waikato District Mayor Jacqui Church, who have earned praise from the Minister for their forward-thinking approach.

“Both mayors have done a great job in getting this result and I congratulate them on working in the best interests of their respective ratepayers,” said Watts. “This new joint water services organization shows what is possible when councils act locally and strategically for the long term.”

The move sets the stage for potential regional expansion, with Minister Watts confirming that both councils are open to incorporating other neighbouring Waikato councils into a larger regional water services model over time. Such a development would further enhance efficiencies, lower per capita costs, and promote regional cohesion.

A Template for the Future of Water Reform

This collaboration under “Local Water Done Well” stands in contrast to the former centralised water reform plans and reflects a locally-led, locally-accountable model that the Government is keen to promote nationwide.

“I look forward to other councils following the example of Waikato and Hamilton in delivering excellent, locally-directed services that benefit their communities,” Minister Watts said.

The launch of this joint water services entity represents not only an immediate win for residents of Hamilton and Waikato District, but a scalable blueprint for water infrastructure reform that balances quality service delivery, cost control, and local autonomy.