Waikato Waters is the first water organisation to be granted access to the New Zealand Local Government Funding Agency Limited (LGFA), marking an important milestone as it prepares to begin operating under the Government’s Local Water Done Well policy on 1 July 2026.

March marked a significant step forward for Waikato Waters. Key milestones included becoming the first water CCO to join the LGFA, signing transfer agreements with the first three councils, and starting recruitment for its growing team.

Interim chief executive Neil Brennan says the progress reflects the strong commitment from councils and partners to building a future-focused water services provider.

“This is a positive time for Waikato Waters. Each milestone brings us closer to delivering reliable, high-quality water and wastewater services for our communities from day one,” says Brennan. “We’re building something that will stand the test of time and support growth across the region.”

Waikato Waters is owned by Hauraki, Ōtorohanga, Matamata‑Piako, South Waikato, Waipā and Waitomo district councils. Waikato Waters is the first of a potential eighteen water CCOs expected to join LGFA by 1 July 2027.

Joining the LGFA gives Waikato Waters access to long-term, cost-effective borrowing. Based on its Water Services Delivery Plan, the organisation is forecast to borrow around another $300 million by 2034. This will support an investment programme valued at around $800 million to renew, upgrade and expand water and wastewater infrastructure across the region.

“Access to LGFA funding is a significant step for us,” says Brennan. “It means we can invest in critical infrastructure in a financially responsible way, helping to keep costs down over the long term while still delivering the upgrades our communities need.”

Waikato Waters has also signed transfer agreements with Waipā, Waitomo and South Waikato district councils. These are the first councils to formally transfer their water and wastewater services to the new entity. Transfer agreements with Hauraki, Ōtorohanga and Matamata‑Piako district councils will follow.

From 1 July 2026, Waikato Waters will begin delivering water and wastewater services across the first three council areas. To ensure a smooth transition, councils will continue to collect water and wastewater charges on behalf of Waikato Waters for at least the next 12 months. Customers will continue to pay their council and contact council customer service teams with any billing or service queries, while Waikato Waters crews deliver services in the field.

“This approach is about continuity for customers,” says Brennan. “People can expect business as usual while we get established, with clear arrangements in place between the councils and Waikato Waters to resolve any issues quickly and effectively.”

With transfer agreements now in place, Waikato Waters has moved into its next phase: building its workforce. Recruitment is underway for roles that support the organisation’s vision of Te Mana o Te Wai, Te Mana o Te Tāngata - Healthy Waters, Healthy People. Alongside staff transitioning from councils, a range of new roles will be filled.

“We’ve been really encouraged by the response to our first round of job offers to frontline operations staff, with more than 90 per cent of these council staff choosing to sign contracts within the first week. That level of support tells us people feel informed, valued and confident about what’s ahead,” says Brennan.

“It reflects the care we and their councils have taken to listen, address concerns and be clear about the opportunities on offer – and it gives us a strong foundation to build a workplace where people feel proud of the work they do.”

Waikato Waters’ head office will initially be based in central Hamilton. This provides a practical solution while the organisation considers longer-term options within the company’s area of operation.

“The Hamilton office gives us a single, fit-for-purpose base where our teams can work together and be ready to serve our communities from day one,” says Brennan. “At the same time, we’re looking ahead to what we’ll need as a major regional water provider and that includes a head office in our area of operation.”

With around 50,000 customers and assets valued at approximately $1.4 billion, Waikato Waters will be one of the largest water companies in New Zealand when fully operational.

“This is about setting up a strong, capable organisation that can deliver safe, reliable water services now and into the future,” says Brennan. “We’re proud of the progress made so far and excited about what’s ahead.”

/ENDS

For further information, please contact:

Rachel Hughes

Workstream Lead, Communications

Waikato Waters

021 826 856