Christchurch City Council is reviewing three potential models for delivering the city’s three waters services as part of its Local Water Done Well Interim Business Case.
The Council has assessed different options for managing water supply, wastewater, and stormwater, with councillors set to consider a report identifying a preferred model on 19 February.
Public consultation on the decision will begin in March.
One of the options under review is an in-house model, where the Council retains direct control over water services through its existing structure with financial ring-fencing.
Another option is establishing a Council-Controlled Organisation (CCO), which would operate as an independent entity owned by the Council, focusing solely on water services with its own governance and operational structure.
The third option is a Two-Waters CCO, where an independent organisation would manage water supply and wastewater, while the Council retains oversight of stormwater.
Christchurch City Council Chief Executive Mary Richardson said selecting the right model is a critical decision for the city.
“We know how important water is to our residents, so this decision is critical for us to get the best outcome for our community,” she said.
Richardson said the Council is in a strong position, as all three models are financially sustainable and capable of meeting regulatory and operational requirements. She added that under all proposed models, the standard of water services would be maintained or improved.
While the impact on rates is expected to remain similar over time, the decision will determine how Christchurch’s water services are managed in the long term.
The Local Water Done Well (LWDW) reforms introduced by the Government replace the previous Three Waters Reform Programme and aim to ensure councils have sustainable and efficient management of water infrastructure.
Under the new framework, councils must select a water service delivery model from a set of approved options.
The Council will make its decision on 19 February, with residents given the opportunity to have their say when public consultation opens in March.
