Climate change, sustainability  |  14 Apr 2025

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Almost 700 submissions from the public will be considered as part of Christchurch City Council’s response to the government’s Local Water Done Well reform.

Consultation on three options for the delivery of water services in Christchurch was open from 7 March to 6 April.

The three delivery models:

In-house model (Our proposal)

Direct control within the Council’s existing structure with financial ring-fencing.

Three Waters Council-Controlled Organisation

Separate entity focused solely on water supply, wastewater and stormwater services. Solely owned by Christchurch City Council.

Two Waters Council-Controlled Organisation

A hybrid model where water supply and wastewater services are transferred to a CCO, while stormwater remains under Council management.

At hearings the Mayor and Councillors will consider the 681 submissions and hear oral presentations from around 31 groups and individuals. 

“Every year residents tell us how important water is to them, so making sure we’re set up to deliver water services efficiently and sustainably for years to come is crucial,” says Mayor Mauger.

"We want to thank everyone who made a submission. At the hearings, we’ll carefully consider all the feedback to ensure our decision takes the views of the community into account.”

Public hearings will take place on 15 April. Watch them livestreamed here, and read the agendas, including all the public submissions.

In June the Council will make a decision on which model to include in its Water Services Delivery Plan, which must be finalised and submitted to the Department of Internal Affairs by September.