Tauranga City Council and Western Bay of Plenty District Council have established a joint committee to guide and support the establishment of their new water organisation.

The committee will help the councils perform their roles as joint shareholders, providing governance oversight during the establishment phase before the organisation begins operating in 2027.

Three elected members and three alternates from each council have been appointed.

Tauranga City councillors Glen Crowther, Marten Rozeboom and Kevin (Herb) Schuler have been appointed committee members. Mayor Mahé Drysdale may attend as an ex‑officio member, while the alternates are councillors Rick Curach, Steve Morris and Hautapu Baker.

Western Bay of Plenty District Council will be represented by Mayor James Denyer, Deputy Mayor Margaret Murray‑Benge and councillor Graeme Elvin, with councillors Rodney Joyce, Tracey Coxhead and Darlene Dinsdale appointed as alternates.

The committee will also include three iwi and hapū representatives, who are expected to be nominated by tangata whenua and appointed in May.

These representatives will reflect rohe within Tauranga City and the Western Bay of Plenty, ensuring cultural perspectives and Treaty commitments are embedded at the organisation.

Establishment chief executive Kevin Lavery said strong joint oversight was critical to setting up the new organisation.

“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,” Lavery said.

“It’s a practical and proven approach to good governance during establishment and beyond.”

Denyer said the joint committee supported councils’ ongoing accountability to their communities.

“Both councils remain accountable to their communities as owners of the new water organisation,” he said.

Western Bay of Plenty Mayor James Denyer. Photo / David Hall

“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.”

The committee will not manage day‑to‑day water services. Operational governance will sit with an independent board of directors and management team, which will be appointed separately as part of the establishment process.

Drysdale said the joint committee helped set expectations for the organisation’s long‑term performance and transparency.

Tauranga Mayor Mahé Drysdale. Photo / Calvin Samuel, RNZ

“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,” he said.

“That oversight helps ensure the organisation is transparent, focused on long‑term outcomes for communities, and well positioned to deliver over time.”

As establishment work progresses, the committee will start meeting to make recommendations to councils on appointing a board of directors, developing a statement of expectations, and supporting preparations for the water organisation to become operational. The board will be responsible for developing the Water Services Strategy.

The joint water organisation is expected to be operational from July 1, 2027.