Why Water Resilience Matters

Water is essential to life in Wairarapa - it supports our people, our land, and our economy. Reliable access to water underpins food and fibre production, community wellbeing, and the ability for businesses and new housing to grow. Without secure and sustainable water systems, the region’s long-term potential is constrained.

Wairarapa faces complex, long-term water challenges - including ageing infrastructure, limited storage, increasingly variable rainfall, and tightening environmental regulations. The Wairarapa Water Resilience Strategy (2021) sets out a shared regional vision to respond to these issues. The WEDS Work Programme plays a key role in supporting and resourcing practical, collaborative initiatives that help turn strategy into action.

Current Initiatives in Delivery

The WEDS Work Programme is currently supporting several key initiatives to build water resilience in the region:

Water Resilience Governance Group & Action Plan

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The three Wairarapa District Councils and Greater Wellington Regional Council have established a joint Water Resilience Governance Group to oversee delivery of the Wairarapa Water Resilience Strategy Implementation Plan and guide future investment.

Greater Wellington Regional Council The Group have developed a regional Action Plan, detailing priority projects across five pillars: Attenuation, Allocation, Capture, Land Use, Efficient Use.

A Case for Action

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Input follows…

Infrastructure Investment at Waingawa

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With $1.75 million in co-funding from Kānoa (MBIE) and a contribution from the WEDS Work Programme, new process water infrastructure is being delivered at Waingawa Industrial Estate (led by Carterton District Council). This project improves resilience for existing industry and enables further business development.

Photo by Jet Productions

Completed and Pilot Initiatives

While the work continues, several foundation projects have already been delivered:

An interim Water Resilience Governance Group was established in 2023, with the full model now resourced as of late-2024. The WEDS PMO helped establish the Group.
The 'Water Resilience Summer Series' funded by the WEDS Work Programme ran in 2023-24 and 2024-25. It was delivered by the Wairarapa Water Users Society, and focused on innovation in rural water use and attracting strong engagement from across the sector.

Outcomes for Wairarapa

Short-Term Outcomes

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Regional coordination in place: A cross-stakeholder governance group is guiding delivery of water priorities through a shared implementation plan.
Progress from planning to delivery: The WEDS is being actioned through early-stage projects, such as 'A Case for Action' and infrastructure projects at Waingawa Industrial Estate.
Clearer understanding of water needs: Consolidated data is providing a stronger picture of water use and demand across Wairarapa.
Growing industry confidence: Local businesses are showing increased interest in future uptake of reliable water supply infrastructure.
Broader engagement and collaboration: Events like the 'Water Resilience Summer Series' are drawing in farmers, regulators, and advocates - helping build common ground and momentum.

Long-Term Outcomes

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Improved seasonal and industrial water security: Non-potable water at Waingawa Industrial Estate supports business continuity, while easing pressure on potable supplies for community needs.
Fit-for-purpose water solutions: Regional efforts are enabling smarter, more efficient water use that supports sustainable land and resource management.
Stronger economic development platform: Reliable water infrastructure enhances Wairarapa’s competitiveness, helping attract and retain businesses.
Increased investment readiness: Coordinated planning improves the region’s ability to secure funding for high-impact water projects.
Stronger water culture and shared value: Cross-sector understanding and innovation are shifting the regional approach from compliance-driven to relationship-focused water management.

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Photo by Jack Austin

Delivery Partners

This work is led and supported by a strong regional partnership network, including:

Greater Wellington Regional Council | Carterton, Masterton, and South Wairarapa District Councils | Ministry of Business, Innovation & Employment (Kānoa) | Wairarapa Water Users Society.