The future of water services in the Far North

The council is currently asking residents to have their say on how we should deliver water services in the future.

Ageing infrastructure, stricter regulations, and rising costs are making it more challenging for councils across Aotearoa to deliver safe, reliable, and affordable water services. Under the Governments new Local Water Done Well framework, all councils must submit a Water Services Delivery Plan by 3 September 2025. This plan will outline how each council intends to meet new standards and ensure long-term investment in water services.

The council is seeking feedback on two possible models for how water services could be delivered in the Far North:

Te Pēke – A strengthened in-house model

This is the council’s current preferred option. It would mean FNDC will continue to manage water services internally, retaining local oversight and decision-making while improving infrastructure and meeting new standards.

Te Kete – A three-council water services organisation

This would involve forming a new joint organisation with Kaipara and Whangārei district councils. This model could provide regional benefits such as shared governance, better investment capacity, improved operational efficiency, and greater resilience.

How can I have a say?

Feedback on the Local Waters Done Well consultation will be open until 4 May, after which it will be presented to our elected members for consideration. The final plan, including any changes made in response to community feedback, will be formally adopted mid-May and come into effect from early June 2025.

We recommend that you read the consultation document which can be viewed online here.  Detailed information about the proposal is available on the councils Have-your-say webpage, where feedback can be shared via an online submission form.

Submissions can also be provided via email, in person at any FNDC service centre or library (where submission forms can be printed on request), or by mail. Alternatively, you can request to share your feedback verbally by emailing submissions@fndc.govt.nz.

All feedback must be received by Sunday 4 May 2025.