Water services undergo a seamless change for generations

The first water they used on 1 July 2026 was delivered by IAWAI – Flowing Waters Ltd, rather than Hamilton City or Waikato District Council. 

IAWAI is a new water services company, 100% owned by Hamilton City and Waikato District Councils, and working in partnership with Waikato-Tainui.

It was established in 2025 after consultation with the communities of both councils and aligns with the policy and direction of government’s Local Water Done Well initiative. As a joint organisation serving a larger population and with funding options not available to individual councils, IAWAI can deliver water services more efficiently and cost-effectively than the councils on their own.

From today, IAWAI is responsible for water and wastewater services across its region and is delivering stormwater services on behalf of its shareholding councils.

IAWAI chief executive Peter Winder says it has taken a massive amount of work to make this change as smooth as possible for the communities IAWAI serves.

“It’s a year since our councils agreed to work together to create IAWAI. In that year we have transferred staff, waters assets and the financial structures from two councils and created a completely new organisation which retains the great knowledge, skill and commitment of our waters staff. 

“Your day-to-day services won’t change. What's new is the focus. One team, one kaupapa, entirely dedicated to safeguarding water for now and for generations to come.

“This isn’t the end of a journey; it’s just the beginning as we work with our communities to reshape the way water services are delivered in the years ahead. We were formed because the system wasn’t working, We needed new ways of doing things and there are still many big decisions to come. 

“We will be working with our communities every step of the way and making sure we deliver on the expectations of our shareholders, our partners, and all the people who rely on us for the services we deliver. We don’t take that responsibility lightly.”

Earlier in 2026, as required under enabling legislation, the IAWAI Board adopted its first Water Services Strategy following public consultation. The Strategy confirmed a reduction in water services cost increases projected by the partner councils for 2026/27. 

IAWAI is a council-controlled organisation, with shareholder councils, through an IAWAI Forum, exercising ownership of IAWAI – including setting expectations, monitoring performance, and appointing the Board of Directors. Waikato-Tainui is also a member of the IAWAI Forum, reinforcing the strong partnership approach taken. www.iawai.co.nz