Photo: Getty ImagesGore Mayor Ben Bell has welcomed Waitaki District Council’s decision to rejoin the Three Waters group Southern Waters Done Well after its initial rejection of the scheme last year. Waitaki District Mayor Mel Tavendale said despite "good conversations that were had in good faith" it was a lost opportunity. Mrs Tavendale said the Southern Waters group had "a really open door" for Waitaki throughout the conversation and the understanding of "rural water" was a big plus in those discussions. In a joint statement, Central Otago District Mayor Tamah Alley, Clutha District Mayor Jock Martin and Gore District Mayor Ben Bell said the inclusion of Waitaki in the Southern Waters group would strengthen the water services entity. Mr Martin said Southern Waters had always been open to working with like-minded councils to deliver positive outcomes for their communities.

Source: Otago Daily Times March 03, 2026 22:02 UTC