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NPDC’s water services plans get the thumbs up

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PUBLISHED: 3 NOV 2025
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NPDC’s Water Services Delivery Plans for a Council Controlled Organisation to deliver drinking water and wastewater services to the district have been accepted by the Secretary for Local Government. 

The approval on Friday (31 October) paves the way for the establishment of  a Water Services CCO (WSCCO) for the New Plymouth district – a decision made by the Council in July, where it was also agreed to continue to deliver stormwater services through an inhouse model.  

The plans were reviewed by an independent panel and accepted by the Secretary for Local Government as part of the Government’s Local Water Done Well programme to tackle New Zealand’s water infrastructure issues.  

NPDC’s General Manager Operations, Sarah Downs says the approval is a significant milestone in the future delivery of district’s water services. 

“It  reflects the hard work and commitment of our team and we’re proud to be leading the way in delivering water services that are locally accountable and financially sound.” 

The approved plan is projected to deliver a minimum $17 million in savings over 30 years, while also enhancing borrowing capacity and establishing a dedicated governance structure focused solely on water service delivery. 

The original proposal of a joint Taranaki WSCCO didn’t proceed after elected members at Stratford and South Taranaki district councils voted not to go ahead with the regional model in favour of inhouse delivery.  

Sarah Downs said NPDC remains open to future regional collaboration with Stratford and South Taranaki District councils, should they choose to pursue a joint model in the future. 

Earlier this month we announced the board of directors appointed to the WSCCO as follows: 

  • Michael Sage (Chair)
  • Onno Mulder  
  • Sara Brownlie  
  • Kim Skelton  
  • Joshua Hitchcock. 

 Former New Plymouth District Mayor Neil Holdom has been appointed interim Chief Executive, reporting to the board. 

A transition plan is currently being worked on to oversee the transfer of people, assets, liabilities and contracts from the council to the new CCO. 

 This will include the identification, valuation and transfer of all water assets and water-related debt. It will also guide the development of a 10-year water services strategy.  

Go to our website for copies of our water service delivery plans for Drinking Water and Wastewater and Stormwater.

Caption: New Plymouth Wastewater Treatment Plant.

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Page last updated: 10:26am Mon 03 November 2025

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