The Selwyn District Council has agreed to progress preliminary investigations and steps towards establishing a council-controlled organisation for the districts water services.

Central government is introducing Local Water Done Well legislation to ensure future focused, financially sustainable, community water infrastructure and improvements.

Mayor Sam Broughton said while Selwyn is in a good position with its current water assets, a CCO would bring new opportunities to manage and fund water services separately from rates for current and future residents.

Under the legislation, a new CCO would be required to be independent, financially sustainable, and subject to environmental and water quality regulations and restrictions.

The Council considered other models, including partnerships with other councils. However, a Selwyn-owned water service provider has emerged as the preferred option to comply with the legislative requirements to deliver a Water Services Delivery Plan by September 2025.

Mayor Broughton said the proposed model will be subject to consultation in early 2025 to ensure Selwyn residents have their say.

“We know that safe, secure drinking water is one of the most important issues for Selwyn residents. We will also protect against any future privatisation of water infrastructure.”

The council agreed to establish a Local Water Done Well Strategic committee to develop the new entity’s constitution, strategy, statement of expectations, and will hire a board chair to oversee the establishment of the CCO. The budget for the work is $2 million including funding the development of the Water Services Delivery Plan and the proposed establishment of the CCO.