The Matamata-Piako District Council is stepping forward in a collaborative initiative designed to enhance the management of water services across the Waikato region. 

The government has made it clear to all Councils that the status quo is not an acceptable way to manage water services in the future. "We're being told to do this by the government. If we don't do it ourselves, it will be done to us," says Mayor Adrienne Wilcock.

During a recent council meeting, CEO Don McLeod was tasked with negotiating a non-binding agreement for Matamata-Piako to potentially join with other Waikato councils in forming a regional waters organisation. It follows a report released by the Waikato Mayoral Forum in July which said the region would be better off if local councils worked together to deliver water services.

As part of the Waikato Waters Done Well initiative, the council will commit to exploring the design of a multi-council entity that will oversee drinking water, wastewater, and stormwater services. Currently Matamata-Piako manages its three waters services internally.

The Need for Collaboration

With an estimated $7.5 billion needed for water services across the Waikato over the next decade, the need for collaboration is clear. During discussions, there was a query about the number of councils joining the initiative. McLeod confirmed that the majority are on board, although not all may proceed to the next phase of collaboration. The concept of pooling resources and expertise could provide significant benefits, both financially and operationally.

Councillor Dayne Horne noted that while Matamata-Piako appears to be in a relatively stable position compared to others, the region still faces substantial financial obligations. The projected capital investment for Matamata-Piako over the next ten years exceeds $216 million, primarily driven by essential water services.

Potential Benefits of a Shared Entity

Creating a unified waters entity offers several potential advantages. Streamlined processes for designing and consenting new water and wastewater treatment plants could lead to increased efficiency and reduced costs. Councillor Horne proposed that a joint investment in using consultants could yield far greater value than individual efforts, creating a shared design that benefits all councils involved.

Moreover, McLeod highlighted the potential for a more coordinated approach in dealing with the water regulator, regional council, workforce development, and procurement arrangements. This could ultimately lead to improved service delivery and compliance with regulatory standards.

A Focus on Staffing

Mayor Adrienne Wilcock emphasised the importance of having adequate staffing to deliver these critical services. "Water is a critical element that we provide, and if we don't have the staff to deliver it, that's where we're at our greatest risk," she stated, underscoring the council's current challenge. Unlike some other councils in the region facing financial hurdles, Matamata-Piako’s primary concern lies in workforce availability. McLeod warned that filling key positions could take six months or longer, further stressing the urgency of the staffing issue.

Future Steps

To move this forward the council has agreed in principle to continue its participation in the Waikato Waters Done Well initiative. The next step involves negotiating a non-binding Heads of Agreement for participating councils, laying the groundwork for a collaborative approach to water management.

Additionally, under the Local Water Done Well framework, councils are tasked with providing a comprehensive water services delivery plan by September 2025. This plan must address current services, financial sustainability, compliance with standards, and the challenges posed by ongoing housing growth and urban development. A decision on how water services are delivered in the district will need community input but it is too early to say when that will happen in 2025.

By addressing staffing concerns and exploring shared resources, the council aims to ensure that it can continue to provide essential water services effectively and sustainably. As the initiative progresses, the potential benefits of a unified approach will become clearer, which should pave the way for a more resilient water management system in the Waikato region.