The Selwyn District Council is exploring potential paths for the next phase of the government’s local water reforms, including the possibility of creating a Selwyn Council Controlled Organisation (CCO) to manage water services.

The council’s review follows guidance from the Minister for Local Government, Simeon Brown, regarding the next steps of the Local Water Done Well initiative. The council is considering several options, such as collaborating with other councils, establishing its own CCO, retaining the current system, or contracting water services to another entity. These efforts aim to meet the minister’s goals of achieving financial sustainability and fostering regional collaboration.

The Local Water Done Well legislation aims to address longstanding infrastructure underfunding across the country. It requires councils to submit their Water Services Delivery Plans by September next year.

Mayor Sam Broughton said that Selwyn has made significant investments in its water infrastructure over the past decade, resulting in one of the country’s most modern and reliable water systems while maintaining some of the lowest water charges.

“But we need a future-proof solution to deal with the rising costs of maintaining those first-class water services, as well as responding to this new legislation and the needs of the South Island,” he said.

He said Canterbury, the West Coast, Southland, and Otago councils were invited to collaborate to explore a wide range of outcomes. “Some councils have decided not to collaborate, which limits viable options; however, we have continued an alliance with five like-minded councils to understand how a model together compares to working individually. We want to identify the best options to deliver great water services and keep costs affordable for communities,” Broughton said.

The council is set to review the initial assessment and indicate a preferred option during its meeting on 23 October. The selected options will then be further refined and presented to the community for feedback.

“Public ownership of our water and wastewater infrastructure is central to this major decision for our district, and we need to make sure it’s done in collaboration with our communities,” Mayor Broughton said.