Northland to establish new cross-council water organisation
Water reforms update: We're teaming up with Kaipara District Council and Far North District Council to deliver drinking water and wastewater services in Northland, starting July 2027, through a new Council Controlled Organisation (CCO).
Our General Manager for Waters, Andrew Carvell, says that working together with a CCO offers long-term benefits and the strongest path forward for the Northland region. “The new CCO will help ensure all of Northland can meet the increased compliance requirements under the new Local Water Done Well Central Government legislation, and address growth in the region.”
A major focus for the 'Local Water Done Well' Working Group has been to design a financial model that recognises the different starting points of each council in terms of water assets, debt levels and infrastructure investment needs.
“Councils have agreed to a model that will see financials ring-fenced for each district and have varying water charges to start with,” says Mr Carvell.
“Whangārei District carries comparatively little debt on its water activities, so we are exploring options to transfer debt from Whangarei District Council budgeted activities to the CCO. This would significantly reduce Whangarei District Council’s overall debt levels and ensure that CCO balance sheets are better aligned with the other councils from day one.”
All three councils are now working together to prepare a water services delivery plan, which must be submitted to Central Government by 3 September 2025. Once formed, the CCO will prioritise the critical issues for each district and review its approach to finances and water charges within the first three years.
Media release: www.wdc.govt.nz...
What's your best cost-saving tip?
Just when we thought the cost of living couldn't climb any higher...it does. While things like fuel prices are out of our control, many of us are looking for small, practical ways to stretch our dollars a bit further. So let’s put our heads together!
Over the next little while, we’ll be sharing tips to help you save money — and we’d love to hear yours too. What’s working for you right now?
Here are a few ideas to get started:
🎉 Plan ahead for the year (birthdays, events, travel) to avoid surprise costs
🪙 Check out $2 shops for everyday items like stationery, baking paper, foil, and cling wrap - often much cheaper than the supermarket
🐖 Bring back the piggy bank and save your loose change
🔨 DIY where you can - like mowing the lawn instead of paying someone
💵 Set a daily budget before heading out and stick to it (cash can help!)
🧴 Stretch household products by diluting things like shampoo or dishwashing liquid
Got a tip that’s helping you save? Share it below, the tip might make a huge difference to someone else.
The Cost of Living: Meal Ideas 🍽️
Continuing our series on how to manage the rising cost of living, this week we’re diving into the kitchen. We want to know your "secret weapon" recipes.
Share below your go-to meals that are:
💰 Budget-friendly (won't break the bank)
🥞 Delicious and easy to whip up
🍜 Great for leftovers (dishes that stretch for several days)
Whether it’s a legendary 20-cent lentil soup or a clever way to dress up basic mince, please share your meal ideas in the comments below!
Product recalls across NZ
Quite a few products have been recalled recently and we want to make sure everything in your home is safe.
Check out the list below clicking on the blue text to learn more about why it was recalled.
Food Recalls:
⚠️Southern Sprouts Alfafa and Onion Sprouts (Possible risk of listeria)
⚠️Pams Onion Sprouts (Possible risk of listeria)
⚠️Raw C Coconut Water
⚠️Loco Love Chewy Caramel
⚠️Sun'Days Dubai Style Chocolate Mousse
⚠️Gilmours Original Corn Chips
⚠️Pak n Save Moorhouse in-store bread
⚠️Emborg Emmentaler Cheese (Possible risk of listeria)
⚠️Ghiotti Chorizo
⚠️Steinlager Ulta-Low Carb beer
Household item recalls:
⚠️Stainless Steel Drink Bottle - sold at Kmart
⚠️Captive Bolt Activators
⚠️Cloud Nine Hair Dryer
⚠️Toyworld Animal Bath Toys
⚠️Topdon Smart Programmable Battery Charger
⚠️Bicycles - Specialised Turbo Como SL
Check the New Zealand Transport Agency's handy vehicle recall list here.
I hope you weren't affected by these products. Stay safe, neighbours!
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