Waikato Waters vows to own failures ahead of takeover

Thursday, 2 July 2026

Waikato Waters interim chief executive Neil Brennan said it’s the body’s responsibility to fix issues when it goes wrong.

Council owned entity Waikato Waters will put their hand up to take the blame if things go wrong after taking over water services in Waipā, Waitomo and South Waikato on Wednesday.

The long awaited transition was needed for the region to hit the requirements of the Government’s Water Done Well policy and is promoted as saving ratepayer’s money.

Waikato Water’s interim chief executive Neil Brennan told Waikato Times the body is responsible for the “day to day” services, including aspects such as dealing with pipe breaks or wastewater overflows.

Issues like malfunctioning wastewater plants will now fall in the hands of Waikato Waters. Pictured is Te Tahi treatment plant heavily damaged in a storm.

“If something goes wrong, we focus on putting it right quickly. Councils remain the owners on behalf of their communities, with clear oversight in place,” he said.

“For the first year, people will still contact their council for queries, which helps keep things familiar while we get established. Behind the scenes, our teams will be getting on with the job of delivering services.”

Dr Marcos Pelenur will take the helm of chief executive in October.

Brennan said he is aware residents across the Waikato want to be confident in receiving water services at good value, but added New Zealand’s “ageing” infrastructure will drive costs up regardless as investment is required.

The body has inherited 24 active infrastructural projects, and will absorb an additional 18 in its first year.

Waipā District Council mayor Mike Pettit is looking forward to the savings Waikato Waters is perceived to bring.

“What this model does is ease that pressure,” Brennan said.

“So while increases are likely, our responsibility is to make sure they’re as manageable, predictable and fair as possible for our communities.”

Waipā District Council mayor Mike Pettit previously told the Waikato Times the transition is the right option for ratepayers to keep water services as cheap as possible.

The council will receive a yearly million dollar payslip from the body as part of the transition.

'It's always a little bit of anxiety when you're doing this but the more we've gone on [and] the more information we've got… the more confident we've got that this is absolutely the best decision for Waipā ratepayers,“ he said.

'A water utility focused solely on delivering water services is important because it brings dedicated governance, specialist expertise, and a clear focus on getting the job done well.'

Forty eight Waipā District Council water staff holding a combined 327 years of experience have been moved to the new organisation, making up nearly all of the 52 leaving. South Waikato have seen 23 staff leave, with Waitomo contributing 10.

Matamata-Piako District Council will join Waikato Water’s network on October 1st, with Hauraki and Ōtorohanga district councils will transition on 1 July 2027.