On 30 June 2025, Waitomo District Council resolved to establish a joint Council Controlled Organisation (Waikato Waters Limited) to deliver its water and wastewater services, with WDC being one of the shareholders.

The decision is in accordance with the Local Government (Water Services Preliminary Arrangements) Act 2024.

Council also approved the signing of the Constitution and Shareholders Agreement for Waikato Waters Ltd.

Council undertook a robust process in developing the options and selecting the preferred water services delivery model. Consultation was undertaken from late March and all of April 2025, with 18 submissions received.

The CCO will be created in July 2025, but it will not be responsible for operations or own assets until 1 July 2026.

WDC will be a Stage 1 shareholder from July 2025, with assets and liabilities transferred on 1 July 2026.