A Government reform which aims to address long-standing water infrastructure challenges around the country.

A new approach to how water services are delivered is being driven by the Government under the ‘Local Water Done Well(external link)’ reform.

Local Water Done Well aims to enable cities to maintain local control over water services while also exploring collaborative opportunities with regional partners. 

Christchurch City Council has confirmed that it will retain direct control of drinking water, wastewater, and stormwater services, deciding on an In-House Delivery Model. 

The decision follows detailed analysis and public consultation, with strong community support for keeping water services under Council control. The in-house model allows the Council to continue integrating water service delivery with wider infrastructure planning and community outcomes, while providing flexibility to adapt over time.

Consultation on three options for the delivery of water services in Christchurch was open from 7 March to 6 April 2025.

681 submissions were received, and 612 submitters indicated a preference:

  • 80% supported the In-House Model
  • 14% supported a Three Waters CCO
  • 6% supported a hybrid Two Waters CCO (water supply and wastewater)

You can see the material used for consultation letstalk.ccc.govt.nz/lwdw(external link).

Local Water Done Well is being implemented in three stages, each with its own piece of legislation. 

1. The Water Services Acts Repeal Act

The first Bill, the Water Services Acts Repeal Act (enacted in February 2024), repealed the previous Government’s water services legislation. 

2. The Local Government (Water Services Preliminary Arrangements) Act 2024

The second Bill, the Local Government (Water Services Preliminary Arrangements) Act was enacted in September 2024. This Act establishes the Local Water Done Well framework and the preliminary arrangements for the new water services system. Councils are required to develop Water Services Delivery Plans by 3 September 2025. 

3. The Local Government (Water Services) Bill

The Government introduced a third Local Government Water Services Bill in December 2024 that establishes enduring settings for the new water services system.

The Bill sets out key details relating to the water services delivery system, the economic regulation and consumer protection regime for water services, and changes to the water quality regulatory framework.

The Bill had its First reading on 17 December 2024 and was referred to the Finance and Expenditure Committee for consideration. Public submissions closed on 23 February 2025.

More information about Local Water Done Well is available on the Department of Internal Affairs website(external link). 

February 2024

Previous Three Waters legislation repealed

The Coalition Government passed urgent legislation repealing the previous Labour Government's Three Waters legislation. 

September 2024

Legislation enacted

The Local Government (Water Services Preliminary Arrangements) Act 2024 establishes the Local Water Done Well framework and the preliminary arrangements for the new water services system.

The legislation was enacted on 2 September 2024.

December 2024

The Local Government (Water Services) Bill introduced

The Local Government (Water Services) Bill establishes the enduring settings for the new water services system.

The Bill was introduced to Parliament in December 2024, had its first reading on 17 December and was referred to the Finance and Expenditure Committee for consideration. Public submissions are open until 23 February 2025.

February 2025

Report to Council on consultation options

The Council agreed to consult the public on three options: the proposed in-house model; a Council-Controlled Organisation (CCO) for three waters; and a CCO for two waters and maintaining stormwater services in-house.

March / April 2025

Public consultation

Feedback is gathered on the proposed and alternative water service delivery models. 

 

May 2025

Council decision on delivery model

The Council will decide on what model to include in its Water Services Delivery Plan.

September 2025

Water Service Delivery Plan due

Councils are required to produce a Water Services Delivery Plan (WSDP) and submit it to the Department of Internal Affairs by September 2025.  

The WSDP will outline the current state of a council's water services delivery arrangements, as well as outlining the pathway to a financially sustainable water services that meet regulatory quality standards. 

In 2016, a gastroenteritis outbreak in Havelock North led to approximately 45 hospitalisations and possibly contributed to three deaths. The outbreak was linked to contaminated drinking water, raising significant concerns about the safety and security of New Zealand's water supply.

In mid-2017, after a Government Inquiry into the incident, the government initiated the Three Waters Review to enhance the regulation and service delivery of drinking water, wastewater, and stormwater—collectively known as the three waters—to better protect New Zealand's environment, health, and safety.

In July 2020, the Labour Government launched the Three Waters Reform Programme in response to growing evidence of nationwide challenges in three waters service delivery. Following public feedback, the legislation was revised and passed under the new name, Water Services Reform Programme, which aimed to consolidate councils into 10 publicly owned, specialised water service entities.

However, after the October 2023 general election, the new coalition government announced plans to repeal the previous Three Waters legislation and replace it with Local Water Done Well.