Better water services moving closer
Published on 07 November 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 a major step 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.
Councillors from all three councils received the news at a joint meeting on Thursday 6 November, which included a congratulatory message from Minister for Local Government Hon Simon Watts.
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 Chris Dyhrberg, the executive director for the establishment of the new organisation.
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 Mr Dyhrberg.
A brand that reflects our place and people
“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,” says Mr Dyhrberg.
“Having a name is an important step that lets us move forward with this work, but it’s not the end of the story. 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.
Photo caption: The mayors of the three councils holding the water services plan approved by the government. From left to right: Horowhenua Mayor Bernie Wanden, Palmerston North Mayor Grant Smith and Rangitīkei Mayor Andy Watson.