Governance After Three Waters The Decisions That Matter Now

New Zealand’s post-Three Waters landscape is entering a new phase, but the debate around water reform is far from over. In his piece for NZ Local Government Magazine, "Post the Waters Exit: Part Two", David Hammond, Head of Consulting and Public Sectors at Tribe Executive, explores how councils are now grappling with the practical realities of funding, governing and delivering water infrastructure under the Government’s replacement model, Local Water Done Well. While the old reforms may be gone, the same pressures remain: ageing infrastructure, rising compliance costs, and the need for major long-term investment.

No longer just a policy conversation, but a leadership challenge for councils and communities alike, David discusses how success will depend on strong governance, realistic financing models, and the ability to build public trust while making difficult decisions about service delivery and rates. In short, the reform may have changed shape, but the need for sustainable, future-focused water management has not.

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Water reform may have changed shape, but the governance, leadership and capability challenges facing councils are only becoming more complex. If your organisation is thinking about what comes next, planning for future capability needs, or would value an informed discussion on leadership in the local government sector, reach out to David Hammond for a confidential conversation about how Tribe Executive can help.