Minister Simon Watts attends launch of Selwyn’s Water Company
Selwyn District Council media release: 8th July 2025
Minister Simon Watts attended the formal launch of Selwyn Water Limited today with Mayor Sam Broughton, local MP Nicola Grigg, and company chair Murray Strong. Selwyn Water Limited will deliver drinking and wastewater services to around 30,000 households and over 8,000 businesses across New Zealand’s fastest-growing region.
Mayor Sam Broughton said the formation of Selwyn Water marks a major milestone for the District. “After years of talking about water reforms, we’re pleased to have moved to give our residents certainty for the future of drinking and wastewater services. Selwyn Water will deliver services that enable community and business development and protect environmental health, it will manage its finances prudently and operate independently from rates.”
Selwyn MP Nicola Grigg welcomed the launch as a practical response to the community’s growth and infrastructure demands. “I’m very pleased to see the Council move to enable this ownership model and look forward to Selwyn Water delivering high standards of service for our people.”
Selwyn Water Chair Murray Strong noted that the utility is being built on a strong foundation. “Selwyn Water will be a 'best in class' public utility company, aligned with Council and Government expectations and subject to oversight from the Commerce Commission and Taumata Arowai. Our flexible structure also allows for other councils to partner in future, creating efficiencies and further cost savings across districts.
Established under the Government’s Local Water Done Well framework, Selwyn Water Limited is the first Council Controlled Organisation (CCO) of its kind. It combines public ownership with customer services expertise and is governed by an independent board. Speaking at the launch of new council-controlled organisation (CCO) for water services, Selwyn Water Ltd, Simon Watts confirmed the Secretary for Local Government Paul James has formally accepted Selwyn District Council’s Water Services Delivery Plan.
Over the next six months, Selwyn District Council will transfer relevant assets, staff, and systems to ensure a seamless transition and continuity of service. Stormwater services will remain managed in-house by the Council.