Changes to water services gather momentum
Tuesday, 14 April 2026
Central Districts Water, the organisation that will deliver water services for Palmerston North, Horowhenua and Rangitīkei from July next year, has been registered as a company.
Its six-person board of directors, chaired by former Palmerston North MP Steve Maharey, has been appointed along with a $456,000 remuneration budget to pay them through to the end of June 2027.
The directors were appointed by the joint shareholders committee made up of three representatives from each of the councils and three from Nga Tapūwae o Hau, the working group of iwi across the three council areas.
Palmerston North City Council will own 65% of shares in the new company, Horowhenua District Council will own 25%, and Rangitīkei District Council 10%.
The directors have been formally welcomed to their roles, have met with elected members from the three councils, and toured water facilities across the districts.
Maharey said the visits were an important opportunity to build understanding of the unique features of each area.
“Central Districts Water will need to support large urban centres like Palmerston North, the coastal communities of Horowhenua, and the rural areas of Rangitīkei.
“Getting out early to meet staff and elected members has been a valuable opportunity to listen and learn, and to build a strong understanding before decisions are made.”
The board’s first significant step will be to appoint a chief executive.
In the meantime, the councils will be working on a statement of expectations that will be a key document setting out what the councils want Central Districts Water to deliver for them.
They were also working on plans to transfer water assets and debts to the new company.
Transition director Chris Dyhrberg said company registration was a significant step that was required under the Government’s Local Water Done Well legislation.
“It enables Central Districts Water to begin putting in place the people, systems and financial arrangements needed to operate, and marks the start of the transition toward taking on responsibility for water services over time.
“We have strong momentum, and the establishment team is working collaboratively to build an organisation that will deliver high-quality water services while reflecting the needs and character of each local community.”