Waikato Waters establishment costs reach $16.85 million

The establishment costs for Waikato Waters, a council-controlled water services company, have reached $16.85 million. This figure is approximately 40 per cent higher than the previously reported establishment budget of $12.1 million.

According to documents obtained via the Local Government Official Information and Meetings Act, contractors accounted for the largest portion of spending at $10.36 million. Other significant expenses include $2.64 million for information technology services, $1.82 million for consultants, $798,193 for recruitment, and $592,622 for office space. Additional costs included $244,694 in directors’ fees and over $123,000 for events, uniforms, and vehicle branding.

Waikato Waters, which was formed as part of local government water reforms and is jointly owned by six district councils, has established its headquarters in Hamilton. The company stated that these figures are unaudited management accounts and may change following an annual audit. The organization currently employs 131 staff, with approval to increase that number to 224 by July 2027.