Tāheke – Bay Waters Limited has been confirmed as the name for the new joint Water Organisation being established by Western Bay of Plenty District Council and Tauranga City Council to deliver drinking water, wastewater and stormwater services across the sub-region.
The joint Water Organisation is being established under the Government’s Local Water Done Well framework and will be operational from 1 July 2027.
Tāheke speaks to the flow of water descending or flowing down. From drops of rain, to mighty rapids and powerful waterfalls, Tāheke describes the flow of water across our natural environment and landscape.
Bay Waters is inspired by the waters that define and connect our region.
The name was developed through a collaborative process involving Water Services staff from both councils, tangata whenua representatives, Te Reo Māori experts and Joint Committee representatives.
Feedback and insights were gathered through a series of workshops and wānanga to help identify themes, values and aspirations that would inform the organisation's future identity.
Water Organisation Joint Committee Tangata Whenua representative, Hākopa Tapiata says the name provides a strong foundation for the new organisation.
“For tangata whenua, wai is a living taonga -an ancestor with its own mauri and mana - woven through our whakapapa and inseparable from the health of our people and whenua. Tāheke speaks to the journey of wai ki uta ki tai, from the mountains to the sea, connecting communities and ecosystems along the way. The name calls us to make decisions that honour those who came before us and safeguard the wellbeing of generations yet to come.”
Western Bay of Plenty Mayor and Water Organisation Joint Committee Deputy Chair James Denyer says it was important the process reflected the voices and perspectives of the people who will work within, govern and engage with the new organisation.
"This wasn't about simply selecting a company name. It was about creating an identity that reflects the life-giving role water plays in our communities, and the important responsibility the Water Organisation will carry on behalf of those who call this place home, both now and in years to come.
Tauranga City Tauriko Ward Councillor and Water Organisation Joint Committee Chair Marten Rozeboom says confirming the name is an important milestone for the establishment of the Water Organisation.
“I’m delighted the Water Organisation now has a name, marking another important step toward establishment and our go-live date.
“We can now take the necessary steps to incorporate the Water Organisation, formalise the Board's roles and responsibilities, and agree the Statement of Expectations, which sets out the shareholders' expectations and the parameters within which the Board will operate.”
Tāheke – Bay Waters Limited Chief Executive Kevin Lavery says the new name provides a strong identity for the new organisation as it takes shape.
“It is a name we can be proud of. Tāheke – Bay Waters reflects our connection to this place and the essential role water plays in sustaining our communities.
“Our focus is now on building an organisation that lives up to that name – delivering reliable, high-quality water services and earning the trust and confidence of the communities we serve.”
The joint Water Organisation will be operational from 1 July 2027.
For more information visit: Local Water Done Well - Western Bay of Plenty District Council or Delivering water services through a new partnership - Let's talk Tauranga
