Local voices appointed to Central Districts Water shareholders committee

Horowhenua District Council, Palmerston North City Council and Rangitīkei District Council have appointed their representatives to the Central Districts Water shareholders committee, marking an important step in establishing local oversight of the new water services entity.

Central Districts Water is a jointly owned water services council controlled organisation (WS-CCO) that will begin operating from 1 July 2027.

While each council will retain ownership of its water assets, the Shareholders’ Committee provides a formal mechanism for shared oversight and local input as the new entity is established and transitions into operation.

In December 2025, the three councils agreed that the Shareholders’ Committee would be made up of the Mayor of each Council, an elected member (and an alternative) from each council, and the committee will have three iwi representatives.

The collective iwi across the three council regions have formed a Roopu (working group), called Nga Tapuwae o Hau, to represent them. The three iwi nominations to the Committee were made through Nga Tapuwae o Hau for the three councils to approve.

Horowhenua District Council is represented by Mayor Bernie Wanden, Councillor Sam Jennings, with Councillor Mike Barker as the alternate.

Palmerston North City Council is represented by Mayor Grant Smith, Councillor Kaydee Zabelin, with Councillor Brent Barrett as alternate

Rangitīkei District Council is represented by Mayor Andy Watson, Deputy Mayor Dave Wilson, with Councillor Fiona Dalgety as alternate.

The iwi representatives will be Hayden Turoa of the Tainui Confederation with Tiwana Tibble as his alternate, Danielle Harris of the Kura hau po Confederation, with Di Rump as her alternate, and Marj Heeney representing the Greater Rangitikei region, with Suze Hepi as her alternate.

The Mayor of Horowhenua District Council, Bernie Wanden says the appointments reinforce to our communities the importance of local voice and partnership in shaping the future of water services.

“This committee brings together councils and iwi to ensure decisions are grounded in local knowledge, local priorities, and long-term care for our communities and environment. Strong local representation and shared oversight are critical as Central Districts Water is established.”

The committee’s first task will be to oversee the shortlisting of over 60 applicants who have put their names forward for the Central Districts Water board.

Palmerston North City Mayor Grant Smith says the strong interest in board roles reflects the importance of getting the foundations right.

“We’ve seen a high calibre field of applicants, with experience across governance, infrastructure, finance and community leadership. It’s a positive signal for our region, and it means we can take the time to appoint a board with the skills needed to set Central Districts Water up well from the start.”

Rangitīkei Mayor Andy Watson says the Shareholders’ Committee will meet for the first time this week, with board appointments a key priority.

“Our focus now is on making sure the right governance is in place so the new organisation can be ready to deliver from day one. This is an important milestone, and we’ll continue to keep our communities informed as the next steps progress.”