43551 (2025). Tangi Utikere to the Minister of Local Government

43551 (2025). Tangi Utikere to the Minister of Local Government: What aspects of the Waitaki District Council’s Water Service Delivery plan raised concerns that the council’s plan to go-it-alone may not be satisfactory and what additional information, if any, have officials requested?

Hon Simon Watts: I am advised, the Department of Internal Affairs (the Department) sent a letter to Waitaki District Council (Council) noting its decisions to pursue a standalone model, and the implications of this decision on the financial sustainability of water services. The Department was aware that the Council had resolved to pursue an in-house business unit, exiting the Southern Water Done Well regional grouping. I refer the member to my reply to written parliamentary question 43547 (2025).