Local Water Done Well - 2026

Help decide the future of water services in Whakatāne District.

Whakatāne District Council is proposing a new way to deliver drinking water, stormwater and wastewater services through a Whakatāne District Council-Controlled Organisation.

For more detail, read the consultation document - (PDF, 2 MB)

In 2025, the Council decided to establish an Internal Business Unit for water services by 1 July 2027, while continuing to investigate a potential Multi-Council Controlled Organisation with neighbouring councils.

Since then, a detailed investigation and 30-year modelling have been completed. A Multi-Council Controlled Organisation remains a potential longer-term opportunity, but it isn’t currently achievable because the participating councils would need to agree to move forward together.

The Council is now proposing a Whakatāne District Council-Controlled Organisation as its preferred option and is asking communities what they think before making a final decision.

Whether you shared feedback last time or not, have your say by 9pm Sunday, 22 November 2026.