Agenda of Water Organisation Joint Committee meeting

Water Organisation Joint Committee

Membership:

Independent Chair	None
Chair (if no Independent Chair)	TCC Chair: · Cr Marten Rozeboom (19 June 2026 – 30 November 2027) If no Independent Chair is appointed, then the Chair will be appointed by the Committee being a member of TCC or member of WBOPDC on a rotational basis. Frequency of the rotation to be approved by the Committee.
Deputy Chairs	WBOPDC Deputy Chair: • Mayor James Denyer (19 June 2026 – 30 November 2027) Where an Independent Chair is appointed, then the Deputy Chair will be appointed by the Committee being a member of TCC or member of WBOPDC on a rotational basis. Frequency of the rotation to be approved by the Committee. Where the Chair is a TCC or WBOPDC member, then the Deputy Chair will be a member of the other Council, with the rotation on the same cycle as the Chair.
Members	Total of 9 members: · 3 TCC representatives (must be appointed via TCC Council resolution and must be elected members of TCC) o Cr Marten Rozeboom o Cr Kevin Schuler o Cr Glen Crowther o Cr Rick Curach (alternate) o Cr Steve Morris (alternate) o Cr Hautapu Baker (alternate) · 3 WBOPDC representatives (must be appointed via WBOPDC Council resolution and must be elected members of WBOPDC) o Mayor James Denyer o Deputy Mayor Margaret Murray Benge o Cr Graeme Elvin o Cr Rodney Joyce (alternate) o Cr Tracey Coxhead (alternate) o Cr Darlene Dinsdale (alternate) · 3 Tangata Whenua (TW) representatives (nominated by TW and appointed by TCC by Council resolution acting as administrative agent for the partnership.) o Mr Hākopa Tapiata o Hon Kiritapu Allan o Ms Kylie Smallman o Mr Shadrach Rolleston (alternate) o Ms Rohario Murray (alternate) o Ms Roana Bennett (alternate) Each appointing or nominating party has the ability to appoint or nominate up to three alternates. An alternate may attend and participate in place of an appointed member only when that appointed member is absent. At no time may the number of representatives acting for an appointing or nominating party exceed the number of appointed members
Quorum	A minimum of two persons each from TCC, WBOP, and TW
Meeting frequency	Bi-monthly or as otherwise determined by the Committee or the Councils.

Role:

· The purpose of this Committee is to provide recommendations to the TCC & WBOPDC (“Councils”) to assist their decision-making as shareholders in [insert name of water organisation (“WO”)]. The Committee will provide recommendations regarding the subject matter set out below under the sub-heading “Scope” (or other matters that may be directed by the Councils from time to time).

· The TW representatives on the Committee are to represent the Iwi and Hapū whose rohe falls within the local government areas of TCC and WBOPDC.

Scope:

· Statement of Expectations (“SOE”). Responsibilities to include:

o Review draft SOE prepared by staff.

o Provide feedback and comments on draft documents to staff and require amendments to achieve a version of the SOE that the Joint Committee is content to endorse to the Councils.

o Present SOE to both Councils for consideration and approval.

· WO’s Water Services Strategy (“WSS”). Responsibilities to include:

o Review draft WSS provided by WO.

o Prepare proposed comments on the WSS for the Councils to raise with the WO.

o Present the proposed comments to Councils for consideration and approval.

· Any WO policies that require shareholder input (such as significance and engagement policy or director appointment policy). Responsibilities to include:

o Review draft policies prepared by WO (or prepared by Council staff if relevant).

o Provide feedback and comments on draft documents to WO / to staff and require amendments to achieve a version of the relevant policy that the Joint Committee is content to endorse to the Councils.

o Present policies to Council(s) for consideration and approval.

· Service Level Agreements between the WO and the relevant Council. Responsibilities to include:

o Provide high-level oversight of the performance of obligations agreed under SLAs between the WO and either Council.

o Receive reports from the WO and Council Chief Executives as to whether the SLA's are within the approved budgets.

o Receive reports from the WO and Council Chief Executives how transition off SLA's is proposed to be managed over time.

· Significant contracts (sections 23 and 24 of the Local Government (Water Services) Act 2025 (“Act”)). Responsibilities to include:

o Review WO’s proposal for a significant contract, and WO’s assessment of options.

o Form a recommendation for the Councils to consider, and present to Councils.

· Appointment of Board of Directors. Responsibilities to include:

o Review candidates against Director Skills Matrix and any policies of the respective Councils.

o Form a view on proposed Director appointment roles that the Joint Committee is content to endorse to the Councils.

o Consideration of succession planning, rotation and future skill requirements.

o Oversee Board performance review.

o Present recommendations to both Councils for consideration and approval.

· Director remuneration. Responsibilities to include:

o Review remuneration policies.

o Review market data benchmarking information.

o Prepare recommendations and present to both Councils for consideration and approval.

· Director Skills Matrix. Responsibilities to include:

o Review Director Skills Matrix periodically to align term of appointment to Board.

o As the Joint Committee sees fit, prepare amendments of the Matrix and present to both Councils for consideration and approval

· Annual review of the WO in accordance with s 250 of the Act. Responsibilities to include:

o Prepare a written annual assessment with the Joint Committee’s perspective on the performance of the WO including the WO’s performance in giving effect to the SOE and WSS.

o Present annual report to both Councils for consideration and approval

· WO’s Water services annual report. Responsibilities to include:

o Review WO’s annual report

o Prepare comments on the WO’s annual report.

o Provide comments to Councils for consideration and approval.

· WO’s half-yearly water services report under s 248 of the Act. Responsibilities to include:

o Review WO’s half-yearly report.

o Prepare comments on the report

o Provide comments to Councils for consideration and approval.

· WO’s annual budget. Responsibilities to include:

o Review WO’s draft annual budget.

o Prepare comments on the WO’s draft annual budget.

o Provide comments to Councils for consideration and approval.

· Any other plans or reports that the Councils require from the WO under section 249 of the Act. Responsibilities to include:

o Review WO’s plans or reports.

o Prepare comments and provide to Councils for consideration and approval.

· Any other functions (and responsibilities related to such functions) assigned to the Joint Committee by the Councils in writing over time (whether those functions are initially raised by the Councils, or initially raised by the Joint Committee for recommendation and approved by the Councils).

Power to act:

· The Committee is not a decision-making body (and has no formal voting rights on behalf of the Councils). The Councils will make final decisions on all matters addressed by the Committee. The role of voting in the context of the Committee is to inform recommendations to the Councils.

· Recommendations to the Councils will be made on the following basis:

o Where possible, the Committee will make recommendations to the shareholding Councils on a consensus basis. For clarity, consensus is where all parties on the Committee agree on the same recommendation. The consensus recommendation will be recorded and presented to the shareholding Councils for a decision.

o Where a consensus is not possible, the respective positions of each party on the Committee will be recorded and presented to the shareholding Councils for a decision.

· Where reference is made to consensus, it refers to a consensus of parties on the Committee (being TCC, WBOPDC and TW), rather than a consensus of each individual member of the Committee. In other words, there can still be a consensus of the parties with a minority dissenting view within one or more parties. Nevertheless, should any individual wish to formally note their disagreement, even when the parties have reached a consensus, they retain the right to have their dissenting perspective recorded.

Procedural matters:

· Format: Meetings may be held in person or virtually, as required and will be open to the public.

· Agenda: Agendas and supporting documentation will be circulated at least two working days in advance of each meeting when possible. TCC, as administrative agent for the establishment of the WO, will distribute the agenda until such time that the WO undertakes these activities.

· Meeting outcomes and direction: Direction and Action points will be recorded and maintained.

· Standing Orders: The Committee is a public committee which operates under TCC’s standing orders and pursuant to Clause 30 and 30A of Schedule 7 of the Local Government Act 2002

Power to recommend:

· To make recommendations to TCC and WBOPDC as it deems appropriate.

Power to sub-delegate:

· The Committee has no power to sub-delegate any of its functions, duties or powers.

Water Organisation Joint Committee meeting Agenda

29 June 2026

8 Business

8.1 Water Organisation - Founding Documents

File Number: A20392894

Author: Tyler Buckley, Commercial Solicitor

Charles Lane, Team Leader: Commercial Legal

Authoriser: Adele Henderson, Programme Director - Water Organisation

Christine Jones, General Manager: Strategy, Partnerships & Growth

Purpose of the Report

1. To present the draft Constitution and Shareholders’ Agreement, and to seek the Joint Committee’s recommendation that Tauranga City Council and Western Bay of Plenty District Council approve those documents.

Recommendations

That the Water Organisation Joint Committee:

(a) Receives the report "Water Organisation - Founding Documents".

(b) Constitution

(i) Recommends the Constitution, in the form attached at Attachment 1, to Tauranga City Council and Western Bay of Plenty District Council for final approval.

(ii) Recommends the Constitution, in the form attached at Attachment 1, to Tauranga City Council and Western Bay of Plenty District Council for final approval, with the following amendments:

· [insert amendment]

(i) Recommends the Shareholders’ Agreement, in the form attached at Attachment 2, to Tauranga City Council and Western Bay of Plenty District Council for final approval.

(ii) Recommends the Shareholders’ Agreement, in the form attached at Attachment 2, to Tauranga City Council and Western Bay of Plenty District Council for final approval, with the following amendments:

· [insert amendment]

(d) In the event the Joint Committee requests any amendments to the Constitution and/or the Shareholders’ Agreement, the Joint Committee notes that Tauranga City Council and Western Bay of Plenty District Council will work together in good faith to resolve any outstanding issues before the final drafts are presented to Tauranga City Council and WBOPDC for final approval.

Executive Summary

2. In September 2025, Tauranga City Council (TCC) and Western Bay of Plenty District Council (WBOPDC) entered into a Commitment Agreement to explore the establishment of a joint Water Organisation (WO) under the Local Government (Water Services) Act 2025 (LG(WS) Act).

3. Between late 2025 and early 2026, the Councils undertook establishment planning and due diligence, supported by a Joint Working Group (JWG) comprising representatives from TCC, WBOPDC and Tangata Whenua. The JWG met on 10 separate occasions, considering presentations and issues and options papers across 46 commercial terms to inform a Commercial Terms Sheet (CTS).

4. The JWG reached consensus on 45 of the 46 terms. The remaining issue (whether Tangata Whenua would hold Class A voting shares) was resolved by the Councils. On 24 March 2026, TCC and WBOPDC each approved the CTS, including that Tangata Whenua would not hold Class A shares.

5. On 2 April 2026, the Councils approved the due diligence and the establishment of the WO, with a go-live date of 1 July 2027.

6. Staff have since used the CTS to prepare the draft Constitution and Shareholders’ Agreement (Founding Documents), which establish the WO as a publicly owned council-controlled organisation and sets out the framework for governance and shareholder oversight.

7. Staff now request that the Joint Committee recommends the Constitution and Shareholders’ Agreement to TCC and WBOPDC for final approval.

founding doucments

8. On 24 March 2026, TCC and WBOPDC each passed the following resolution:

Notes that staff will prepare the Water Organisation’s Shareholders’ Agreement and Company Constitution in a manner that is consistent with the approved Commercial Terms Sheet and any additional commercial terms subsequently agreed by TCC and WBOPDC.

9. In accordance with this resolution, staff have now prepared the Founding Documents in accordance with the CTS. A copy of the draft Constitution is attached as Attachment 1, and a copy of the draft Shareholders’ Agreement is attached as Attachment 2. Staff also confirm that nothing new has arisen since the resolutions of 24 March 2026 that would materially affect the content or substance of the CTS or the Founding Documents.

10. To enable the Joint Committee to cross reference the CTS against the Founding Documents, a document titled “Schedule of CTS references within Foundation Documents” is attached as Attachment 3. This document identifies where in the Founding Documents each term in the CTS is addressed.

Key features of the Constitution

11. The key features of the Constitution, include:

(a) Establishes the WO as a Water Organisation: Constitutes the WO as a “Water Organisation” under s 44 of the LG(WS) Act, and requires it to comply with the statutory obligations applicable to a “Water Organisation”, including preparation of core planning and reporting documents (Water Services Strategy, annual budget, half‑yearly and annual reports).

(b) Limits activities to water services: Restricts the WO to providing (or preparing to provide) water services and services directly related to water activities, with an express objective of cost efficiency and meeting the objectives under s 17 of the LG(WS) Act.

(c) Ensures public ownership of assets: Includes an express anti‑privatisation clause requiring all water infrastructure to remain publicly owned, and prohibiting shareholders from approving any action inconsistent with that requirement, reinforcing the strict public ownership framework under the LG(WS) Act.

(d) Provides governance framework and board structure: Provides for a fully independent, skills‑based board (maximum five directors), with shareholder appointment rights and defined tenure and rotation. There is a clear separation between Board management powers and shareholder control, with the Board responsible for managing the WO’s business and affairs subject to the Constitution, applicable legislation and the Shareholders’ Agreement. The Board must not enter into any “Reserved Matter” without prior shareholder approval, with those matters set out in the Shareholders’ Agreement.

(e) Establishes ringfencing requirements: Requires the WO to implement full financial ringfencing by service area (including separate identification of costs, revenues, assets and liabilities), with pricing reflecting local cost bases. The Constitution also provides for a review of ringfencing, including consideration of a report after three years and a requirement for a report within six years of incorporation if not undertaken earlier.

Key features of the Shareholders’ Agreement

12. The key features of the Shareholders’ Agreement, include:

(a) Governs relationship between shareholders: Establishes a framework for how TCC and WBOPDC exercise their rights as shareholders, including obligations to act collaboratively, in good faith, and on a “no surprises” basis in their dealings with each other and the WO.

(b) Establishes Joint Committee: Provides for the establishment of this Joint Committee (with representatives from TCC, WBOPDC and Tangata Whenua) as a recommendatory body to support shareholder decision-making.

(c) Defines reserved matters: Identifies key decisions that require shareholder approval (including matters that require a special resolution or unanimous resolution threshold), ensuring shareholder control over significant matters.

(d) Class A shares: Provides for the issue and holding of Class A shares, which establish the foundational governance and voting rights of the shareholders, with each shareholder holding equal voting rights. Class A shares are issued in incorporation.

(e) Transfer of assets and Class B shares: Provides for the transfer of water service related assets, liabilities and agreements to the WO, and the issue and holding of Class B shares reflecting the net asset value of the assets transferred. Class B shares are issued on completion of the Transfer Agreement.

(f) Statement of Expectations framework: Provides for the preparation and adoption of the Statement of Expectations. A draft SOE is expected to be presented to the Joint Committee in the coming months prior to the WO being incorporated.

(g) Includes a process for the future addition or exit of shareholder councils: Establishes structured processes (including statutory consultation where required) for admitting new councils or managing shareholder exits, with defined principles for share allocation, asset transfers and transition arrangements.

(h) Funding arrangements: Provides for establishment funding, debt support (including LGFA‑related arrangements), and the principles on which shareholders support the WO’s financing requirements.

(i) Dispute resolution: Provides for a staged dispute resolution process (negotiation, mediation, arbitration and expert determination) to manage disagreements efficiently.

Statutory Context

13. The LG (WS) Act requires TCC and WBOPDC to prepare a Constitution and a Shareholders’ Agreement for the WO (ss 13(4)(e) and 44(4)). In turn, the WO needs to act in accordance with the Constitution and Shareholders’ Agreement.

Options Analysis

14. As noted above, TCC and WBOPDC have already approved the CTS. Staff confirm that the CTS has directly informed the drafting of the Founding Documents, and that nothing new has arisen since that approval which would materially affect the content or substance of either the CTS or the Founding Documents. Accordingly, there is likely limited scope, or need, for further amendment.

15. Against that background, two options are likely available to the Joint Committee:

(a) Option 1: Resolve to recommend the Constitution and Shareholders’ Agreement, in the form attached at Attachments 1 and 2, to TCC and WBOPDC for final approval.

Or,

(b) Option 2: Resolve to recommend the Constitution and Shareholders’ Agreement, in the form attached at Attachments 1 and 2, to TCC and WBOPDC for final approval, subject to clearly defined amendments.

16. If the Joint Committee elects Option 2, staff recommend that any amendments be limited to new matters not previously considered through the CTS process. In that event, staff also recommend that the Joint Committee notes that TCC and WBOPDC will work together in good faith to resolve any outstanding issues before updated drafts are presented to both TCC and WBOPDC for final approval.

Financial Considerations

17. Approval of the documents does not in itself create new financial obligations, but puts in place the framework for:

(a) Establishment funding arrangements;

(b) Transfer of assets and liabilities; and,

18. These matters will be addressed in detail in further legal arrangements that will be presented to the Joint Committee in due course.

Legal Implications / Risks

19. The Constitution and Shareholders’ Agreement are core legal instruments required to establish the WO under the LG(WS) Act. Key risks include:

(a) Potential disagreement between shareholders on reserved matters.

(b) Need to ensure consistency with legislation and transfer arrangements.

20. These risks are mitigated through:

(a) Clearly defined dispute resolution processes.

(b) Reserved matter thresholds.

TE AO MĀORI APPROACH

21. Tangata Whenua were represented on the JWG, providing input into the development of the CTS. This representation continues through the Joint Committee, enabling Tangata Whenua to contribute to recommendations to the Councils, including in relation to the Foundation Documents.

22. Accordingly, the governance framework incorporates Tangata Whenua representation, supporting the integration of Te Ao Māori perspectives into oversight and decision‑making.

CLIMATE IMPACT

23. Establishing a dedicated WO supports improved planning, investment and resilience of water infrastructure, contributing to climate adaptation outcomes. Having an effective (appropriately resourced) waters infrastructure network will support successful planning, asset management and delivery, contributing to water services which are sustainable and responsive to climate change.

Consultation / Engagement

24. To date, both TCC and WBOPDC have provided significant input into the formation of the Foundation Documents. In particular, the two councils have resolved to approve the CTS, which has directly informed the drafting of the Foundation Documents.

Significance

25. The Local Government Act 2002 requires an assessment of the significance of matters, issues, proposals and decisions in this report against Council’s Significance and Engagement Policy. Council acknowledges that in some instances a matter, issue, proposal or decision may have a high degree of importance to individuals, groups, or agencies affected by the report.

26. In making this assessment, consideration has been given to the likely impact, and likely consequences for:

(a) the current and future social, economic, environmental, or cultural well-being of the district or region;

(b) any persons who are likely to be particularly affected by, or interested in, the matter; and,

27. In accordance with the considerations above, criteria and thresholds in the policy, it is considered that the matter is of medium significance. The substantive decisions have previously been made by both Councils when they approved the CTS. This report seeks recommendations of the formal documents which give effect to the previous Council decisions.

ENGAGEMENT

28. Taking into consideration the above assessment, that the matter is of medium significance, and that the Joint Committee is a recommendation body only, officers are of the opinion that no further engagement is required prior to Council making a decision.

Next Steps

29. The next steps are to:

(a) Resolve any issues identified or amendments requested by the Joint Committee, and update the draft Constitution and Shareholders’ Agreement accordingly. For clarity, this is only relevant if issues are identified, or amendments are requested by the Joint Committee;

(b) Present final drafts of the Constitution and Shareholders’ Agreement to TCC and WBOPDC for final approval;

(c) Subject to final approval from TCC and WBOPDC, take all steps required to incorporate the WO (anticipated around September 2026), including completing Companies Office registrations and preparing associated establishment documents (such as director appointment letters and directors’ and officers’ indemnity and insurance arrangements).

(d) Work with the Joint Committee and the shareholders to finalise and issue the Statement of Expectations to the WO.

Attachments

1. FINAL DRAFT PDF Constitution TCC _ WBOPDC WSCCO - (2) - A20598750 ⇩

2. FINAL DRAFT PDF Shareholders Agreement TCC _ WBOPDC WSCCO - A20598748 ⇩

3. PDF Review of CTS Items in SHA and Constitution - A20598746 ⇩

Water Organisation Joint Committee meeting Agenda

29 June 2026

8.2 Development of Tangata Whenua Relationships Work Plan

File Number: A20518959

Author: Ariell King, Workstream Lead, Strategy, Policy and Bylaws

Authoriser: Christine Jones, General Manager: Strategy, Partnerships & Growth

Purpose of the Report

1. To provide an overview of the proposed approach to the development of a Tangata Whenua workplan.

Recommendations

That the Water Organisation Joint Committee:

(a) Receives the report "Development of Tangata Whenua Relationships Work Plan ".

Executive Summary

2. This report outlines the proposed scope and approach to developing a Tangata Whenua Relationships Work Plan for the Water Organisation.

3. The workplan will build on the existing stocktake, partnership principles paper and matters identified for further consideration by the Joint Committee.

4. Additionally, the workplan will confirm agreed outputs, responsibilities, timeframes and engagement with Iwi and Hapū, including partnership principles, representation, any impacts on resource consents and operational policies, and tools and training.

5. Feedback is sought from the Joint Committee on the proposed scope and approach.

Background

6. During the due diligence process and development of the commercial terms for the Water Organisation a stocktake of existing arrangements, policies and procedures in respect of relationships and interactions between Tangata Whenua and Councils was prepared (Attachment 1). The stocktake of these arrangements was received by the Joint Working Group (JWG) on 23 February 2026.

7. Tangata Whenua representatives on the JWG also presented a paper to the JWG (Attachment 2) that set out the principles supporting a Tangata Whenua partnership approach.

8. There were several Tangata Whenua related items that were added to the “Park and Return” list that the JWG agreed could be progressed at a later date. The following are considered relevant to the development of a workplan:

(a) Clarification of the Water Organisations commitment to Treaty of Waitangi/Te Tiriti o Waitangi principles and settlement obligations and clarification on the commitment and approach to partnership with Tangata Whenua.

(b) Review of the Tangata Whenua stocktake to determine how each item will be addressed in the Water Organisation environment.

(c) Clarification on how the establishment of the Water Organisation will impact existing resource consents (including water-take consents) relating to Treaty of Waitangi/Te Tiriti o Waitangi settlements. For example, Tangata Whenua are particularly concerned to ensure that local Marae will have ongoing access to the Waiari water supply

(d) Discussion on the Water Organisations approach to environmental performance.

9. TCC and WBOPDC at their respective meetings on 24 March both passed the following resolution:

“Adopts the principle of maintaining Tangata Whenua participation, engagement and arrangements, with existing commitments and practices either retained or bettered during, and following, the transition to a Water Organisation.”

Development of Tangata Whenua workplan

10. The proposed approach is to capture what has been provided to date (outlined above) and then develop the draft workplan. This would include confirming the agreed outputs, timeframes and engagement with Iwi and Hapu on various components.

11. This approach recognises feedback that a co-design approach is taken on matters related to Tangata Whenua.

12. It is intended that the draft workplan is developed with Tangata Whenua representatives’ input and guidance on further engagement will be sought during the development process.

13. The table below outlines the proposed components of the workplan and who would be involved to progress each component. Comments are welcome on this approach.

14. TCC is currently working with Tangata Whenua on a Relationship Review. Those discussions will likely provide direction on ‘who’ from Tangata Whenua is involved in various processes and how that occurs. This will likely have flow on impacts for these Water Organisation related discussions.

Component	Scope Outline	Who to progress
Partnership principles	· Development of partnership principles between Tangata Whenua and the Water Organisation and how these principles will be implemented. · Where and how the Water Organisation will commit to Treaty of Waitangi/Te Tiriti o Waitangi principles and settlement obligations. · How will the Water Organisation connect at a partnership level with Tangata Whenua?	· Board of Directors · WO CEO · Tangata Whenua
Partnership representation	· Review existing waters related Council Committees that Tangata Whenua have representation on, and establish what the arrangements will be in the Water Organisation environment (Note – the stocktake in Attachment 1 provides a starting point for this discussion).	· Board of Directors · WO CEO · Tangata Whenua
Engagement approach with Iwi and Hapu	· Discussion on engagement approaches with Iwi and Hapu. · How should the Water Organisation engage on operational matters specific to individual Iwi or Hapu. (Note – the stocktake in Attachment 1 provides a starting point for this discussion).	· WO CEO · Tangata Whenua Relationships Lead · Te Rangapu, WB TW forums
Water Services Strategy	· Develop agreed process for engagement with Tangata Whenua on the Water Services Strategy (WSS) content (e.g., is that via the Tangata Whenua representatives on the Joint Committee or a different process?). · Identify areas of interest for early conversations in the development of the WSS including Te Mana of Te Wai, levels of service, and investment priorities.	· Board of Directors · WO CEO · WO Joint Committee · Te Rangapu, WB TW forums
Resource Consents	· How will arrangements with Tangata Whenua relating to existing resource consents (particularly where those consents provide for Tangata Whenua involvement, engagement or considerations) be transferred into the WO environment.	· Councils (via the Transfer Agreement) · WO CEO · Tangata Whenua Relationships Lead · Iwi and hapu (as per specific consents)
Operational Policies	· Which policies transfer from current Council policies and apply (potentially for an interim period) (Note – the stocktake in Attachment 1provides a starting point for this discussion). · Which policies need to be reviewed creating a combined updated policy that applies for the Water Organisation. · Identify any gaps in existing policy and how these could be addressed.	· WO CEO · Tangata Whenua Relationships Lead · Te Rangapu, WB TW forums
Organisational templates, tools and training	· Which templates, tools and training currently utilised by the Councils transfer to the Water Organisation and apply (potentially for an interim period), which ones need to be reviewed and are there any gaps in existing templates, tools and training which need to be addressed. (Note – the stocktake in Attachment 1 provides a starting point for this discussion).	· WO CEO · Tangata Whenua Relationships Lead

Statutory Context

15. The matters that this report addresses are considered to be consistent with the requirements of the Local Government Act and Local Government (Water Services) Act.

16. The Local Government Act 2002 requires an assessment of the significance of matters, issues, proposals and decisions in this report against Council’s Significance and Engagement Policy. Council acknowledges that in some instances a matter, issue, proposal or decision may have a high degree of importance to individuals, groups, or agencies affected by the report.

(a) In making this assessment, consideration has been given to the likely impact, and likely consequences for:

(b) the current and future social, economic, environmental, or cultural well-being of the district or region

(d) the capacity of the local authority to perform its role, and the financial and other costs of doing so.

17. In accordance with the considerations above, criteria and thresholds in the policy, it is considered that the decision is of low significance. The decision is seeking agreement to continue the development of the Tangata Whenua workplan as part of the wider Establishment Plan for the Water Organisation.

Options Analysis

18. No options have been considered in preparing this report. This report is providing information on the proposed approach to the development of the Tangata Whenua workplan.

Financial Considerations

19. The staff resources to undertake and complete this work is included in the overall budget to establish the Water Organisation.

CLIMATE IMPACT

20. Establishing a dedicated WO supports improved planning, investment and resilience of water infrastructure, contributing to climate adaptation outcomes. Having an effective (appropriately resourced) waters infrastructure network will support successful planning, asset management and delivery, contributing to water services which are sustainable and responsive to climate change.

Significance

21. The Local Government Act 2002 requires an assessment of the significance of matters, issues, proposals and decisions in this report against Council’s Significance and Engagement Policy. Council acknowledges that in some instances a matter, issue, proposal or decision may have a high degree of importance to individuals, groups, or agencies affected by the report.

22. In making this assessment, consideration has been given to the likely impact, and likely consequences for:

(a) the current and future social, economic, environmental, or cultural well-being of the district or region

(b) any persons who are likely to be particularly affected by, or interested in, the .

23. In accordance with the considerations above, criteria and thresholds in the policy, it is considered that the matter is of medium significance. The report brings together discussions and directions from the work to date, and incorporates into a high-level scope and approach. The Water Organisations’ relationship and arrangements with Tangata Whenua are important to address prior to the commencement of the entity on 1 July 2027.

ENGAGEMENT

24. Taking into consideration the above assessment, and that views of the Tangata Whenua representatives on the Joint Working Group are reflected in this report, and that the matter is of medium significance, officers are of the opinion that no further engagement prior to the Joint Committee considering this report.

Next Steps

25. Development of the draft Tangata Whenua workplan will proceed working with Tangata Whenua representatives.

26. The Water Organisation CEO approves and begins implementation of the final workplan.

Attachments

1. Attachment 1 - Stocktake of Tangata Whenua Relationships with TCC and WBOPDC - A20583312 ⇩

2. Attachment 2 - Tangata Whenua Principles Supporting Partnership Approach - A20583146 ⇩


AGENDA Water Organisation Joint Committee meeting Monday, 29 June 2026
I hereby give notice that a Water Organisation Joint Committee meeting will be held on:
Date:	Monday, 29 June 2026
Time:	9:30 am
Location:	Tauranga City Council Chambers L1, 90 Devonport Road Tauranga

Marty Grenfell Chief Executive