54700 (2025). Tangi Utikere to the Minister of Local Government

54700 (2025). Tangi Utikere to the Minister of Local Government: How many councils have had their water services delivery plans considered by the Plan Review Panel, and for each council what was the outcome of that consideration?

Hon Simon Watts: I have been advised by the Department of Internal Affairs that 68 councils have had their water services delivery plans (plans) considered by the Plan Review Panel. As of 26 November 2025, 62 councils have had their plans accepted by the Secretary for Local Government (Secretary). Waitaki District Council and Mackenzie District Council plans have not been accepted by the Secretary. The Department of Internal Affairs is continuing to finalise its assessment of the remaining four plans for the Secretary’s consideration. I refer the member to the Department’s website which is updated as decisions on plans are finalised: www.dia.govt.nz/Water-Services-Policy-Water-Services-Delivery-Plans#Accepted-plans