Local water done well
We are asking our communities to help shape the future of water services in the Far North.
This consultation is part of preparing a Water Services Delivery Plan, which must be finished by September 2025.
After weighing up several options, we have narrowed it down to two:
Here’s what we are proposing / Anei tā mātou e whakatakoto nei
1. ‘Te pēke’ A strengthened in-house model – our preferred option.
2. ‘Te kete’ A three-council water services organisation with Kaipara and Whangārei.
We want to hear what you think about these options and how they could affect our district now and for generations to come. Your input will guide the council’s final decision.
We’ve chosen the terms ‘Te pēke’ and ‘Te kete’ to represent the two options for the Local water done well consultation, reflecting the values of each model.
Te pēke | The bag
represents the strengthened in-house model, where services stay with the council, tightly managed and locally controlled.
Te kete | The basket
represents the three-council water services organisation, where resources and responsibility are shared for greater efficiency and wider collaboration with Kaipara and Whangārei district councils.
Have your say / Kōrerotia mai ōu whakaaro
Tell us what you think.
- Online submissions: Click here to have your say
- Email us: submissions@fndc.govt.nz
- In person: Drop off a submission form at any FNDC service centre or library. (Our friendly customer service team can also print it for you.)
- By mail: Far North District Council, Private Bag 752, Kaikohe 0440
We’re coming to you / E tae atu ana mātou ki a koe
You can visit us at one of our pop-up events to discuss the Water Services Delivery Plan and fill out a submission form. We’ll be at:
- The Warehouse, Waipapa - Wednesday 9 April from 11am - 1pm
- Te Ahu Service Center, Kaitaia – Wednesday 16 April from 11am - 1pm
- Headquarters, Kaikohe – Wednesday 23 April from 11am - 1pm
Ngā Rā | Key Dates
- 3 APRIL - 4 MAY
Consultation with our communities starts - EARLY MAY
Verbal submissions - 22 MAY
Deliberations - 5 JUNE
Plan decision adopted
Frequently asked questions
The Government has introduced a new system for managing drinking water, wastewater, and stormwater. This is now called ‘Local Water done Well’.
Under this system, councils keep ownership of water assets, but must now meet tougher financial, environmental, and safety standards.
Every council must submit a Water Services Delivery Plan by 3 September 2025, showing how it will meet these rules.
Whatever model is chosen, the goal is the same. We need safe, reliable, and affordable water services that are well-managed and built to last.
Across Aotearoa, ageing infrastructure, climate change, and past underinvestment have left many water systems stretched. Inconsistent service between communities and growing populations adds even more pressure.
At the same time, global standards for water quality are rising. New Zealand must catch up. Local Water Done Well aims to keep water in public hands while improving funding, accountability, and environmental protection. The council must now prove it can maintain safe, reliable, and sustainable services into the future.
Like many councils, Far North District Council faces growing pressure to improve the way we deliver water services. Spread-out communities, ageing pipes, and rising costs make providing reliable and affordable services harder.
Our district covers a vast area with a small population. This means it costs more to build, run, and maintain water infrastructure than it does in bigger cities. Some of our key treatment plants and networks are also overdue for major upgrades.
On top of this, climate change is already making its mark. Droughts and severe weather events are placing extra strain on water, wastewater, and stormwater systems. The council also carries a backlog of work due to past underinvestment.
Despite the challenges, the council is in a relatively strong financial position. Our debt levels are low, and we already separate most water revenue from other council funds, which is a key requirement under the new system.
The work has already started. We are improving asset management, investment planning, and how we meet compliance standards. This will continue, no matter which model we choose
The Far North is expected to grow by around 12,000 people by 2054, especially in the Bay of Islands - Whangaroa Ward. The council is preparing now to make sure water services keep pace with this growth.
We must receive your feedback by Sunday 4 May 2025
Note: Anyone is invited to submit feedback on this consultation, whether as an individual or on behalf of an organisation, however, any submissions that are out of scope, offensive, inappropriate, or late may not be accepted by the council. You will be notified if your decision is not accepted and, where appropriate, invited to resubmit.
Any submissions that are made will become part of the public consultation process. The collection and use of personal information by the Far North District Council is regulated by the Privacy Act 2020. Please note that your submission or a summary of your submission will be treated as public information and may be published on the council's website and made available to elected members and members of the public as part of the consultation process. Your name and contact details (address, phone number, email) will only be used for administrative purposes - such as the council contacting you to update you on the outcome of this consultation and letting you know about future consultations
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