Water  |  Yesterday

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The delivery plan for Christchurch’s water services has received official approval.

The Department of Internal Affairs signed off on Christchurch City Council’s Water Services Delivery Plan, as part of the Government’s Local Water Done Well reforms.

The plan sets out how the city will sustainably deliver and fund water services over the next 10 years.  

It confirms the Council will retain in-house control of drinking water, wastewater, and stormwater services.

Mayor Phil Mauger has welcomed the approval of Plan, saying it is a major milestone for the city.

“Christchurch residents made it clear from the start that they want their water services managed locally so it’s great that DIA has approved our plan which allows for this,” he said. 

“The Council has a way forward for how we will manage this important resource on behalf of Christchurch and Banks Peninsula residents going forward.” 

The approved plan details Christchurch’s financially sustainable investment programme and ensures water services revenue will be clearly separated from other Council funds.

A staged implementation plan will strengthen service delivery and ensure compliance, including new asset management and maintenance strategies, financial monitoring, governance improvements, and alignment with upcoming legislative requirements.

The decision to retain in-house delivery of water services follows extensive analysis and public consultation, which showed strong community support for keeping control within the Council.

The in-house model will enable continued integration of water service delivery with the wider infrastructure programme, consideration of community outcomes, and flexibility to adapt over time. 

“We’ll be keeping local control, while delivering cost-effective and long-term sustainable water services. Now DIA has approved the plan, it’s time to deliver,” Mayor Mauger said.