North Canterbury’s rural councils set out agreement to work together
Hurunui and Kaikōura District Councils media release: 14th July 2025
North Canterbury’s rural councils have shaped an agreement on how they will work together to develop a model for delivering water services.
Hurunui and Kaikōura district councils will bring the Memorandum of Understanding to their respective July meetings for formal sign off.
Both councils received the green light through community consultation earlier this year to proceed with creating a joint Water Services Council Controlled Organisation (WSCCO) to deliver water services.
Kaikōura Council CEO Will Doughty said the two councils already share some services and have a strong track record of working closely together, underpinned by common values and goals, so collaborating came naturally.
“The MoU commits both councils to working together in partnership as we develop our joint water delivery services model.”
This collaboration has already resulted in a draft water services delivery plan that will also be going to both councils in their July meetings.
The draft plan sets out the councils’ intentions to deliver water services that meet regulatory requirements and are financially sustainable, demonstrating how these would be financed through the WSCCO.
Hurunui Council CEO Hamish Dobbie said: “Both the MoU and the draft Plan demonstrate our shared purpose to work side-by-side to achieve the best outcomes for our communities.”
Councils have to submit their Water Services Delivery Plans to the Department of Internal Affairs by 3rd September 2025 for their final approval.