Local Water Done Well

We are a leader in local government water reform, specialising in assisting councils implement Local Water Done Well.

Stormwater, drinking water, and wastewater, are essential to the health and functioning of communities across New Zealand, and have been a key focus for local and central government in recent years.  

Right now, councils are deeply involved in implementing Local Water Done Well, and giving effect to their accepted water services delivery plans.  In preparing those plans, councils will have already made significant decisions about how water services might be delivered and financed, and whether to work jointly with other councils.  However, councils and water service CCOs will need to make further decisions to implement those plans.

We are experts in local government, water infrastructure, and implementing sector reforms

We work with local authorities, CCOs and private entities on a range of matters relating to the supply and treatment of water, including Local Water Done Well (and preparing for Three Waters before that).  We advise on:

• Compliance: Meeting obligations under relevant legislation, including the Local Government (Water Services) Act 2025, Local Government (Water Services Preliminary Arrangements) Act 2024, and Local Government Act 2002

• Governance: Assisting with the structuring and governance of CCOs, joint local government arrangements, and public sector mergers and reform

• Decision-making: Supporting councils make informed decisions through consultation, planning, and iwi engagement processes

• Iwi engagement and Treaty of Waitangi obligations: Facilitating meaningful engagement with iwi and ensuring compliance with Treaty of Waitangi obligations

• Funding: Advising on funding mechanisms, including rating and development contributions

• Economic regulation: Advising on economic regulation of monopoly service providers, including water service providers, and consumer protection provisions under the Commerce Act 1986

• Asset management: Advising on water and wastewater management, asset management and projects

• Environmental obligations: Ensuring compliance with environmental obligations relating to water and wastewater under the Resource Management Act.

Tailored legal solutions for local government water reform

If you're implementing new arrangements for water services, whether in collaboration with other councils or alone, and/or establishing new CCOs, we can provide expert guidance and support.  Our understanding of local government water reform and our experience in assisting councils with their decision-making can help you navigate these complex challenges and make informed choices.