Council-controlled organisations (CCOs)

Overview

There are six Council-controlled organisations in Palmerston North that independently manage some of our city's key facilities and services. Find out more about them and read their accountability reports. 

A council-controlled organisation (CCO) is at least 50% owned or controlled by Council. This means Council has at least 50% of the voting rights and can appoint at least half of the directors or trustees.

CCOs are mostly set up to manage Council facilities independently, and can provide business and community expertise that we may not otherwise have easy access to. They can also attract funding from sources other than rates.

Each CCO is managed by a Council-appointed trust board, and we have an agreement about what they will achieve for ratepayers.

Central Districts Water

Central Districts Water is a new council-owned organisation being jointly established to manage drinking water, wastewater, and stormwater services on behalf of Horowhenua District Council, Palmerston North City Council, and Rangitīkei District Council. It will begin operating from 1 July 2027.

It will be responsible for the day-to-day delivery of water services, including maintaining pipes and treatment plants, responding to leaks and faults, and planning and delivering upgrades to ensure services remain safe, reliable, and fit for the future.

Visit the Central Districts Water website

Statement of Expectations

In August 2026, the three shareholding councils and Nga Tapūwae o Hau agreed what they expect from Central Districts Water as the organisation is established and once it begins delivering water services.

The Statement of Expectations makes clear that CDW is expected to provide affordable, efficient, safe and reliable water services, while planning for the long term and remaining accountable and connected to the communities it serves.

Read the Statement 

Central Economic Development Agency Ltd (CEDA)

CEDA is owned jointly by Palmerston North City and Manawatū District Councils. Its main objective is to drive economic growth for Manawatū and beyond. It contributes to the Council's goal of Palmerston North being an economically sustainable city that attracts, fosters and retains business.

Globe Theatre (exempted organisation Feb 2025–Feb 2028)

Globe Theatre is run by and for the community as a 250-seat, fully-equipped, performance venue for hire. It is home to the Manawatū Theatre Society, one of the city's most active amateur dramatic groups. Each year it hosts a range of events and festivals such as the Shakespeare Festival and the Environmental Film Festival.

It also fills a niche as an intimate performance space for professional acts, from music to stand-up comedy. The Globe's success is measured by its 'live nights' and it currently offers a show every three days or so.

Palmerston North Airport Ltd

Palmerston North Airport Limited is a Council-controlled trading organisation and limited liability company. All shares are held by Palmerston North City Council.

It owns and operates Palmerston North Airport, providing facilities and services to airlines and airport users, both commercial and non-commercial.

Palmerston North Airport Ltd contributes to the economic growth of our region by providing transport services that link businesses to domestic and international supplies and markets. It also contributes to the positive image of Palmerston North as a good place to do business.

Regent on Broadway (exempted organisation Feb 2025–Feb 2028)

The Regent is a much-loved community asset. Originally a picture palace, the building has been lovingly restored to its former glory as a 1,393-seat theatre. The Regent on Broadway enables the city to host bigger shows than the more intimate Globe Theatre.

The Regent on Broadway's success is measured by its 'live nights'. The theatre currently offers 150 live performances and attracts an audience of 100,000 people each year. It keeps a balance between 50% and 85% of community use, giving local talent the opportunity to perform in New Zealand's premier regional theatre.

Te Manawa

Te Manawa aspires to be the cultural, economic and social hub of the Manawatū region. The purpose-built art gallery can display exhibitions of international quality, many of which are drawn from its own significant collection.

Behind the art gallery, you’ll find the Tangata Whenua gallery offering insights into the history of the region, its settlement and its peoples; the Discovery Centre, a magnet for the curious, old and young alike; and temporary exhibition spaces showing a range of home-grown and touring exhibitions.

The success of Te Manawa is measured by the number of visitors that are attracted to its exhibits and events each year, currently 110,000 and growing.

Exempted organisations

Council has agreed to exempt the following organisations from the reporting obligations of council-controlled organisations under the Local Government Act 2002. They are exempted for three years under a resolution from Council.