Porirua City Council has joined four other Wellington metropolitan councils in submitting a joint plan to form a new water services organisation, aiming to improve the delivery of drinking water, wastewater, and stormwater services across the region.
The Metropolitan Wellington Water Services Delivery Plan (WSDP) proposes establishing a new council-owned entity called Metro Water, which would take over from Wellington Water Ltd on 1 July 2026. The plan aligns with the Government’s Local Water Done Well framework.
Metro Water will be co-owned by Hutt City, Porirua City, Upper Hutt City, Wellington City, and Greater Wellington Regional Council, and governed in partnership with mana whenua iwi Ngāti Toa Rangatira and Taranaki Whānui ki Te Upoko o Te Ika.
According to the councils, the new organisation will have the scale, independence, and long-term focus needed to address critical infrastructure issues without being constrained by short-term political and funding cycles.
Next steps include appointing an Establishment Board and interim Chief Executive, and finalising governance documents such as a Statement of Expectations and principles for a Customer Charter.
The full plan is available at:
https://poriruacity.govt.nz/your-council/news/wellington-metropolitan-councils-lodge-water-services-delivery-plan/