The Selwyn District Council has voted to establish a new council-controlled organisation (CCO) to manage the district’s drinking water and wastewater services, while stormwater services will remain under direct Council control.

The move follows a consultation process and comes in response to new national regulatory requirements affecting how councils manage water infrastructure across the country.

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 emerged as the preferred option to comply with the legislative requirements to deliver a Water Services Delivery Plan by September 2025.

Mayor Sam Broughton thanked those involved in the process, saying, “New regulatory requirements have directed the Council to change the way we deal with our water services.”

“Our Councillors, after weighing up all available information, expert opinions and community views, feel that an independent specialist water services organisation, fully owned by the community, will best service our district for generations to come.”

The next steps will involve setting up the new organisation, determining its governance structure, and planning for the transition of services.