In August, both Councils agreed to explore a shared approach under the Government’s Local Water Done Well framework and have since been working proactively to ensure continuity and future readiness.
A final decision on the future of water services for our sub-region is expected in early-April 2026, subject to positive due diligence findings.
What’s been achieved so far?
- Joint Working Group established – representatives from Western Bay of Plenty District Council, Tauranga City Council and Tangata Whenua have agreed their terms of reference, with a key focus on working collaboratively and in good faith. The Councils will make every effort to understand each other's needs and objectives for the joint operating model, ensuring that the Treaty of Waitangi and community values are at the heart of discussions.
- Recruitment of an Establishment Chief Executive approved – this process will start early in 2026, with the intention of finalising an appointment in early-April, assuming that the councils agree to a joint water organisation at that time.
- Regional technology partnership signed – A strategic agreement with IAWAI (the new water entity for Hamilton City Council and Waikato District Council) has formalised a united approach to technology, including shared systems. This partnership will deliver better outcomes for communities through improved efficiency, lower costs and shared expertise.
Western Bay Mayor and Chair of the Western Bay Elected Member Working Group, James Denyer, says these milestones show real progress.
“We’re working hard to get the foundations for a collaborative relationship in place. While there are many governance decisions still ahead, both Councils agree that certain actions needed to be taken now. These actions provide a strong base to work from, ensuring that essential technology systems and leadership are in place, regardless of the outcome.”
Regional technology partnership
Tauranga City Council, Western Bay of Plenty District Council and IAWAI have approved a strategic partnership to deliver shared technology for water services.
Benefits of this partnership include significant cost savings through joint investment and economies of scale, reduced operational risk and streamlined processes.
The partnership highlights the types of benefits the new Local Water Done Well legislation enables by encouraging water organisations to work together.
Tauranga City Councillor for Tauriko Ward and Tauranga City’s Elected Member Working Group Chair, Marten Rozeboom, says collaboration is key to delivering sustainable water solutions for future generations.
“By working together across organisations and with tangata whenua, we aim to build systems that are efficient, resilient and offer communities better value for money.”
Front row, left to right: Cr Darlene Dinsdale, Mayor James Denyer, Roana Bennett, Cr Grant Dally, Kiritapu Allan, Rohario Murray, Kylie Smallman, Hakopa Tapiata
Back row, left to right: Cr Hautapu Baker, Chair Lyall Thurston, Cr Marten Rozeboom, Shadrach Rolleston, Cr Kevin Schuler, Cr Graeme Elvin, Cr Glen Crowther
Joint Working Group
A Joint Working Group, made up of representatives from Western Bay of Plenty District Council, Tauranga City Council, and tangata whenua has been established.
Alongside elected members from both Councils and independent chair Lyall Thurston, six tangata whenua representatives have joined the Joint Working Group to discuss issues and help reach a consensus on matters associated with the potential establishment of a multi-council Water Organisation by 2027.
Tauranga City Council representatives are: Mayor Mahé Drysdale, Cr Marten Rozeboom (Chair), Cr Hautapu Baker, Cr Glen Crowther and Cr Kevin Schuler.
Mayor James Denyer, Cr Grant Dally, Cr Darlene Dinsdale, Cr Graeme Elvin and Cr Rodney Joyce represent the Western Bay of Plenty District Council.
The tangata whenua representatives are: Hon. Kiritapu Allan, Roana Bennett, Rohario Murray, Shadrach Rolleston, Kylie Smallman (nominated by Tauranga Moana Iwi) and Hakopa Tapiata (nominated by Te Tau Ihu o Te Arawa Iwi).
Tangata whenua co-chair Hakopa Tapiata says that the Joint Working Group members are committed to ensuring there is appropriate planning and resilience in water management.
“As kaitiaki, strengthening relationships and recognising connectedness provides an important foundation for progress.”
Shadrach Rolleston, tangata whenua co-chair also notes that “tangata whenua take a long-term, inter-generational view to its kaitiaki responsibilities, founded on enduring partnership and protection of natural resources, while providing for the needs of a growing community."
The appointments follow the Councils’ decision to stand up a joint Water Organisation by July 2027, subject to due diligence.
To learn more about the future of water services in the sub-region (Tauranga and Western Bay), visit:
Water Partnership | Tauranga City Council
Local Water Done Well |Your Place Western Bay of Plenty