Wai Hononga water entity on track for New Plymouth transition

TL;DR

New Plymouth District Council sets up Wai Hononga Water Services Ltd as its new water services council-controlled organisation.
Company incorporated in February 2026 as WaterCo1, renamed Wai Hononga, with former mayor Neil Holdom as establishment chief executive.
Transition on track, ready to roll out water meters, after government approval of council's water delivery plans.

The story at a glance

New Plymouth's Wai Hononga Water Services Ltd, a council-controlled organisation for drinking water and wastewater, is progressing toward full operation under former mayor Neil Holdom as chief executive. The article reports on a recent board meeting attended by current mayor Max Brough, where Holdom updated on transition steps including name change and meter rollout. This comes after the council's plans gained government approval in late 2025 amid national water services reforms replacing the scrapped Three Waters programme. The entity handles water and wastewater, while stormwater stays in-house.

Key points

Company incorporated 5 February 2026 (NZBN 9429053343598) initially as WaterCo1, later renamed Wai Hononga Water Services Limited at a 27 March 2026 extraordinary board meeting.
Neil Holdom, former New Plymouth mayor, serves as establishment chief executive, reporting to the board chaired by figures like Onno Mulder, Sara Brownlie, Kim Skelton, and Joshua Hitchcock.
Recent board meeting on 16 April 2026 confirmed transition progress; mayor Max Brough attended.
Wai Hononga "almost ready to roll out meters," shifting from council-direct delivery.
Part of post-Three Waters reform: council's October 2025 water services plans approved by Secretary for Local Government.

Details and context

Wai Hononga takes over drinking water and wastewater services from New Plymouth District Council (NPDC), following national changes to water management after the 2023-2024 overhaul of Labour's Three Waters programme. NPDC decided in July 2025 on a standalone CCO model, distinct from potential regional groupings with Stratford or South Taranaki councils.[[1]](https://www.npdc.govt.nz/council/news/2025/november/npdc-s-water-services-plans-get-the-thumbs-up)[[2]](https://www.thepost.co.nz/nz-news/360988419/new-plymouths-new-water-service-entity-wai-hononga-track-transition)

The name "Wai Hononga" reflects Māori concepts of water connection ("wai" for water, "hononga" for linkage), aligning with local iwi involvement in reforms. A transition plan covers shifting staff, assets, contracts, and liabilities to the CCO, with board oversight.

Some local ratepayer groups question transparency over early agendas and minutes, but the article focuses on positive momentum.[[3]](https://www.facebook.com/groups/699847870159954/posts/4231569756987730)

Key quotes

None sourced directly; article snippets attribute updates to Neil Holdom on incorporation, renaming, and meter readiness.[[2]](https://www.thepost.co.nz/nz-news/360988419/new-plymouths-new-water-service-entity-wai-hononga-track-transition)

Why it matters

National water reforms require councils like NPDC to ringfence water assets for better funding and compliance amid ageing infrastructure. Residents face potential water metering and billing changes, while the CCO aims for specialised, sustainable delivery separate from rate-funded stormwater. Watch board meetings and NPDC updates for rollout timelines, meter plans, and any ratepayer challenges.