Councils are running out of time to decide the future model of their water services, which need tens of billions of dollars of investment over the coming decades.
Rates are to set to rise steeply in some places to meet the cost.
But the new model is also to enable more long-term borrowing by new entities that are to be established.
By September 3, councils must opt for and outline a financially sustainable model of how their drinking, waste and stormwater services will be delivered.
Of the 66 councils, 45 have chosen to combine, with 18 councils keeping their water serices in house and three are going alone with council-controlled organisations.
Nick Davis is a public policy expert and partner at Martin Jenkins and he speaks to Kathryn about the movements of councils all around the country.
Kathryn also speaks to Hamilton mayor Paula Southgate and Timaru mayor Nigel Bowen about the decisions their councils are making.
Photo: RNZ / REECE BAKER
