Local Water Done Well
Local Water Done Well is a central-government mandated initiative to address concerns about Aotearoa New Zealand’s water infrastructure and water quality.
It seeks to do this by:
- Requiring councils to develop a fit-for-purpose plan to deliver water services to its residents.
- Ensuring water services are future-proofed and financially sustainable.
- Introducing greater central government oversight, and economic and quality regulation.
Background
Rangitīkei District Council is responsible for the delivery and management of water services (drinking water, wastewater, and stormwater) for the Rangitīkei District. Like councils across Aotearoa New Zealand, the Rangitīkei District is facing varied and increasingly critical challenges maintaining and future proofing its water services.
Successive governments have recognised these challenges and introduced models to support councils. These models have included ‘Three Waters’ and ‘Affordable Water Reforms.’ Local Water Done Well is the current coalition government’s water services model. It was introduced shortly after their election in October 2023.
To put it simply, while Three Waters and Affordable Water Reforms took a centralised view of the way water services are managed, Local Water Done Well takes a more localised view – with central government oversight.
Water Service Delivery Plan
Rangitīkei District Council adopted a joint water services delivery plan (WSDP) in August 2025, confirming our partnership with Horowhenua District Council and Palmerston North City Council.
In November 2025, the Government approved the partnership’s joint Water Services Delivery Plan, and the entity announced its new name: Central Districts Water.
The plan linked above 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.
Central Districts Water
A brand that reflects our place and people
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.
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.