Council Meeting Outcomes 5th August 2026

Matters for Decision – Council Meeting Summary News 5 August 2026

Kaikōura District Council Extraordinary Meeting, 5 August 2026

Below is a brief summary of some key decisions from the Extraordinary Council meeting held on 5 August 2026. You can read the full reports online in our agenda:

https://www.kaikoura.govt.nz/council/meetings-cale...

At the 5 August 2026 Extraordinary Council meeting, Councillors considered and made decisions on the following matters as set out in the Council agenda and associated reports.

1. Draft Head Start Proposal (Agenda page 2)

Council was asked to review and provide feedback on a draft joint Head Start proposal being developed with Marlborough District Council as part of the Government's Simplifying Local Government programme. The proposal explores the potential creation of a joint unitary authority covering the Kaikōura and Marlborough districts.

The report outlined:

• Council's previous decision to identify a joint unitary authority with Marlborough District Council as its preferred option
• The work undertaken to develop a draft joint proposal since then including the key aspects of the draft proposal.
• The key risks associated with any government decision on the proposal
• High level cost estimates associated with the work required for both the detailed design phase and implementation should government approval the head start proposal.
• The timelines and next steps for submission of the proposal including MDC consideration of the draft.

Outcome

Council received the report, provided feedback on the draft proposal, and authorised the Mayor and Chief Executive to continue working with Marlborough District Council to finalise and submit the joint Head Start proposal to Government. The proposal will continue to be refined ahead of submission.

2. Transfer Agreement Between Kaikōura District Council and Kaikōura Hurunui Water Services Limited (Agenda page 25)

Council was asked to approve a transfer agreement that would formally transfer responsibility for water, wastewater and stormwater services to Kaikōura Hurunui Water Services Limited (KHWS).

The report outlined:

• Transfer of responsibility for water services and associated assets, liabilities and commitments to KHWS, effective from 1 July 2026

• KHWS becoming the water services provider for the Kaikōura District, with Council's role shifting from service provider to shareholder

• Transfer of three waters infrastructure assets with an estimated net value of approximately $69 million, including:
– Water assets valued at approximately $29 million
– Wastewater assets valued at approximately $32 million
– Stormwater assets valued at approximately $8.2 million

• Interim funding arrangements through Hurunui District Council while KHWS works towards joining the Local Government Funding Agency (LGFA)

• Planned allocation of ownership shares to both councils once final asset valuations are completed

• Transfer of water services revenue, development contributions and operational responsibilities to KHWS

• A transition support payment of approximately $1.16 million from KHWS to Kaikōura District Council during the 2026/27 financial year

• Flexibility for future changes to local government structures and potential participation by additional councils in shared water services arrangements

Outcome

Council approved entering into the Transfer Agreement with Kaikōura Hurunui Water Services Limited and authorised the Chief Executive to make any minor amendments required. The agreement enables the formal implementation of Council's Local Water Done Well model and marks an important milestone in the transition to the new water services organisation.

3. Audit and Risk Independent Member (Agenda page 31)

Council was advised of the resignation of Audit and Risk Committee independent member Diane Brandish and asked to consider options for filling the vacancy.

The report outlined:

• Diane Brandish's resignation following her appointment as a Director of Kaikōura Hurunui Water Services Limited

• Her decision to step down from the Committee to avoid any perceived conflict of interest

• Recognition of her significant contribution to Council through her expertise in finance, auditing and governance

• Two options available to Council:
– Recruit a replacement independent member
– Leave the position vacant

• Benefits of recruiting a replacement, including maintaining strong independent oversight, specialist advice and governance expertise

• Desired attributes for a replacement candidate, including:
– Chartered Accountant or equivalent professional qualification
– Strong finance, audit, risk or governance expertise
– Experience in local government or similarly complex organisations

• Potential future legislative changes that could affect voting rights for independent members on council committees

Outcome

Council acknowledged Diane Brandish's valuable contribution and approved recruitment for a replacement independent member. Staff will undertake a recruitment process, prepare a shortlist of suitable candidates, and bring a preferred candidate back to Council for formal appointment.

Meeting Summary

Key decisions from this Extraordinary Council meeting focused on three significant areas: submitting the draft joint Head Start proposal with Marlborough District Council, formally transferring three waters services to Kaikōura Hurunui Water Services Limited, and maintaining strong governance oversight through the recruitment of a new independent Audit and Risk Committee member.

These decisions support Council's ongoing work to strengthen local government services, improve long-term organisational sustainability, and prepare for future structural and legislative changes.