Better water services moving closer
November 10, 2025
The partnership between Horowhenua District Council, Palmerston North City Council, and Rangitīkei District Council to establish a new organisation for delivering three waters services has taken two major steps forward. The Government has approved the partnership’s joint Water Services Delivery Plan, and the entity has announced its new name.
The plan sets out how drinking water, wastewater, and stormwater services will be delivered in the future, and outlines the pathway to establishing a jointly owned Water Services Council Controlled Organisation - part of the Government’s Local Water Done Well policy.
The Minister for Local Government, Hon Simon Watts, sent a congratulatory message to the mayors this morning; “your decision to take a shared approach to water services delivery is significant and I’d like to recognise the collaboration that you’ve demonstrated in reaching this milestone.”
The new entity now has a name: Central Districts Water.
“This is exciting news. The partnership will mean water assets remain locally owned, enable councils to meet tougher government regulations, keep costs affordable for our communities, and deliver safe, resilient and sustainable water services,” says the Mayor of Horowhenua District Council, Bernie Wanden.
The plan needed to be approved by the Department of Internal Affairs, which is overseeing the water reform process.
“Our plan only needed minor clarifications prior to sign-off, which shows how well thought out it was. I’m looking forward to working with the mayors, chief executives and councillors of all three councils to put it into practice,” says Central Districts Water Executive Director, Chris Dyhrberg.
The Mayor of Rangitīkei, Andy Watson, is excited about the collaboration between the three councils.
“This partnership shows what’s possible when councils work together with a shared purpose.
“I want to acknowledge all the staff and elected members who’ve been part of this work so far. We’ve laid the foundations for an organisation our communities can be proud of,” says Mayor Andy.
A brand that reflects our place and people
Palmerston North Mayor Grant Smith, who has a background in marketing, knows the importance of a recognisable brand. “Our Central Districts Water logo features a water droplet made up of layered shapes that represent land, ranges, and water – the natural features that connect our three partner councils.”
Having a name is an important step that lets us move forward with this work, but it’s not the end of the story, Mr Smith says. “Over time, we’ll continue to shape and strengthen the Central Districts Water brand identity together - with iwi partners, our communities, and the people the organisation will serve. Our goal is to build a brand that genuinely reflects our place, our values, and our shared commitment to caring for water now and for the future.”
Next steps
Work on governance arrangements for the new structure is progressing well, with recruitment for the governing board expected to begin in early 2026.
Central Districts Water is expected to become operational in July 2027, with partner councils continuing to manage their own water services until then. Once operational, each council will retain ownership as shareholders of Central Districts Water.
Read the Water Service Delivery Plan and more on this project at: