Local Water Done Well

Update 24 June 2025

Stratford District Council’s Policy and Services Committee recommends an in-house model for the future of water services delivery

Stratford District Council (SDC) heard and deliberated on the 184 submissions received on Local Water Done Well consultation today, Tuesday 24 June. Voting unanimously to move forward with an in-house stand-alone business unit as the future delivery model for water, wastewater and stormwater services for the Stratford district.

Conversation from around the council table spoke highly of the submissions received from the Stratford community. With some elected members noting that this is an example of the importance of people sharing their views when provided the opportunity, and shows that councils do listen to the feedback presented to them.

The main themes from elected members in making their decision on an in-house delivery model included:

• Overwhelming support from the community
• SDC’s capabilities to meet current and future legislative requirements
• Retaining local decision-making
• SDC’s ability to manage existing debt and borrow for future infrastructure projects
• Collaboration is already at play for SDC and Council will continue to identify ways of working with other councils if it’s beneficial to Stratford district residents and ratepayers.

Elected members made it clear that no matter today’s decision, the cost of delivering water services is only going to increase, with meeting central Government’s new regulations playing a key role in this.

SDC staff will now work on finalising the Water Services Delivery Plan required to be delivered to central government by September 2025. This is subject to approval by the Department of Internal Affairs.

We’ll provide updates on this process as they become available.

Have your say on the future delivery of water services in Stratford

We’re consulting on the best option for delivering water and wastewater services in a way that will meet the needs of our community and the Government’s new rules and regulations under the Local Water Done Well reforms.

Feedback closes on Friday 30 May 2025.

Download the Consultation Document here, or read all the details on this page below.

Our proposal for water services delivery

This proposal is about deciding on the best option for delivering water services in a way that will meet the needs of the community and the Government’s new financial sustainability and water regulatory requirements.

We are proposing that the best way to deliver safe, reliable and affordable drinking water and wastewater services for the Stratford District over the next 30-plus years is through a council-controlled organisation that is jointly owned by the Stratford, South Taranaki and New Plymouth district councils.

The alternative option is to keep the delivery of water services within Stratford District Council, modified to meet new requirements (SDC in-house business unit)

Notes on the proposal:

1. The proposal affects consumers who are provided drinking water and wastewater services by their council. It does not directly affect those who self-supply both those services.
2. Stormwater services will remain with the individual councils. A council may choose to contract out some or all of their stormwater related services, including to a future jointly owned water services organisation.

How to have your say

The easiest way to share your view is via the online submission form below.

Alternatively you can:

• Email submissions@stratford.govt.nz
• Pick up a hardcopy submission form at one of our facilities:
  • Service Centre at 63 Miranda Street
  • Stratford Library and Visitor Information Centre
  • Wai o Rua - Stratford Aquatic Centre
• Post your submission to PO Box 320 Stratford 4352