Tauranga City Council and Western Bay of Plenty District Council have established a Joint Committee to guide and support the establishment of the new Water Organisation.
Three elected members from each Council have been appointed to the committee, along with three alternates from each, who will play a key role in supporting both Councils in their role as shareholders of the new Water Organisation.
The councillors are:
- Tauranga City Council: Councillor Glen Crowther, Councillor Marten Rozeboom and Councillor Kevin (Herb) Schuler. Mayor Mahé Drysdale may attend as an ex-officio member of the committee. Alternates: Councillor Rick Curach, Councillor Steve Morris and Councillor Hautapu Baker.
- Western Bay of Plenty District Council: Mayor James Denyer, Deputy Mayor Margaret Murray-Benge and Councillor Graeme Elvin. Alternates: Councillor Rodney Joyce, Councillor Tracey Coxhead and Councillor Darlene Dinsdale.
Three iwi and hapū representatives, which will be nominated by Tangata Whenua and likely appointed to the Committee in May, will also sit on the Joint Committee, representing rohe within Tauranga City and Western Bay of Plenty District, helping ensure cultural perspectives and Treaty commitments are embedded as the new organisation is established and begins operating.
Establishment Chief Executive Kevin Lavery says strong joint oversight is a critical part of setting up a new water organisation well.
“A committee like this provides a structured way for Councils to work together as owners, ask the right questions, and make sure strong foundations are in place before decisions come back to them. It’s a practical and proven approach to good governance during establishment and beyond,” Mr Lavery said.
Western Bay of Plenty Mayor James Denyer says the Joint Committee supports Councils’ ongoing accountability to their communities.
“Both Councils remain accountable to their communities as owners of the new Water Organisation. This committee provides a clear and efficient way for elected members to work together, maintain oversight, and ensure local views are incorporated into decision making,” says Mayor James.
The Joint Committee does not manage day to day water services. Day to day governance and operations will sit with an independent Board of Directors and management team, who will be appointed separately as part of the establishment process.
Tauranga City Mayor Mahé Drysdale says the Joint Committee helps set expectations for the organisation’s long term performance and transparency.
“The Joint Committee plays an important role in recommending direction and expectations and being the conduit between the water organisation and the councils as owners. That oversight helps ensure the organisation is transparent, focused on long term outcomes for communities, and well positioned to deliver over time,” Mayor Mahé says.
As establishment work progresses, the Joint Committee will begin meeting to make recommendations to Councils on appointing a Board of Directors, develop the Statement of Expectations, and support preparations for the Water Organisation to begin operations. The Board will be responsible for developing the Water Services Strategy.
The joint Water Organisation will be operational from 1 July 2027.
Further information, including background material, timelines, and key dates, is available on both Councils’ websites.