You’ll get to know this organisation much better when it starts sending you water bills!

Water Hawke’s Bay Limited — jointly owned by Hastings District Council, Napier City Council and Central Hawke’s Bay District Council — has now been formally incorporated.

This organisation will take on responsibility for delivering drinking water, wastewater and stormwater services across Hastings, Napier and Central Hawke’s Bay from 1 July 2027. That’s around 144,000 people serves by approximately 52,000 water connections.

Over the next 12 months, the focus will be on establishing the people, systems and arrangements needed to ensure the organisation is ready to commence operations next July.

Keith Price, Chair of the Transitional Governance Group and Napier City Councillor, said the milestone reflected both the progress made to date and the work still required before Water Hawke’s Bay becomes operational.

“This has been a collective effort over several years, and I’d like to acknowledge the contribution of the shareholding councils and everyone involved in reaching this point.”

“Our focus now turns to ensuring Water Hawke’s Bay is ready to commence operations in 2027.”

As part of the incorporation process, the Establishment Advisory Board has been appointed as Water Hawke’s Bay’s inaugural Board of Directors, providing continuity of leadership as preparations continue. Water Hawke’s Bay Chair is Wendie Harvey.

There is no immediate change to water services for customers. HDC, NCC and CHBDC will continue delivering drinking water, wastewater and stormwater services while Water Hawke’s Bay prepares to assume responsibility from 1 July 2027.

The changeover next July will shift a huge body of physical assets, staff, spending and debt off the books of the three participating councils, perhaps simplifying the calculations needing to be made when, hopefully, our five councils become one.

Further information about Water Hawke’s Bay and the transition programme is available at www.waterhb.co.nz