Document Library

Water Services Delivery Plan (WSDPs) – these are mandatory plans adopted by each council. They set out the council’s commitment to delivering water services that meet regulations, support growth, and demonstrate financial sustainability.

The Government accepted Southern Waters’ joint Water Services Delivery Plan in October.

• Central Otago District Council
• Gore District Council
• Clutha District Council

Expert technical reports were considered by Southern Waters’ three shareholding Councils when deciding on the best business model for their communities. These reports included:

• Morrison Low Advisory Analysis and Financial
• Infometrics’ Chief Executive Brad Olsen Analysis
• Department of Internal Affairs
• Concept Consulting

The purpose of the Shareholders’ Agreement is:

• Provides the why – anchor’s CCO’s purpose to vision and strategic outcomes sought by shareholders
• Focuses shareholders on collective benefits while acknowledging what each shareholder brings
• Provides a constructive framework between CCO and shareholding councils to work effectively together, and councils to hold the Board to account
• Provides clarity on how the councils will engage with each other, their rights and responsibilities and how they will make decisions (including preparing the Statement of Expectations)

Please note this document is currently being developed.

The purpose of the Constitution is that it:

• Sets the overall framework for CCO
• Sets out the rights, powers and duties of the CCO, the board, each director and each shareholder

Please note this document is currently being developed.

These are legal mechanisms that transfer the water services activity from each council to Southern Waters. These must be signed at least four months before the transfer date. We will begin work on the Transfer Agreement in the coming months.

Please note this document is currently being developed.

This strategy sets out strategic priorities and how these will be met, including the company’s intention to achieve the objective of managing and providing water services in a financially sustainable manner. The Water Services Strategy addresses infrastructure planning (looking ahead for 30 years), finances (at least 10 years), resource management planning, regulatory requirements, and performance monitoring.

Please note this document is currently being developed.

This fact sheet provides an overview.

The Local Government (Water Services) Act 2025 is a standalone Act that establishes the enduring settings for the new water services delivery system.

The Local Government (Water Services) (Repeals and Amendments) Act 2025 amends existing legislation, including the Commerce Act 1986 to establish an economic regulation regime for water services, the Water Services Act, and the Local Government Act.

For more information, please click on the link to visit the DIA website.