Local Government Water Services | Align Limited
Aligning with the New Water Landscape
De-risking Council and Water Authority Landowner Engagement under the Local Government (Water Services) Act 2025
Discover how we can help councils navigate change.
The New Context
The Local Government (Water Services) Act 2025 introduces new and more complex access and engagement requirements for councils and water authorities.
It strengthens landowner rights, requires extended notification periods, and adds new obligations for Māori land engagement. Failure to comply can expose councils to penalties up to $1.5 million and lead to significant programme delays.
The Challenge for Councils
Compliance under the LGWSA 2025 is not optional – and the process is detailed. Councils must manage notifications, consents, and internal reviews under tight statutory time frames.
Administrative workloads have increased, and engagement quality is under greater scrutiny.
Commissioner Role under s165 LGWSA 2025
The Chief Executive must appoint an independent reviewer (Commissioner) to determine land access disputes.
Align can act as an external independent reviewer for councils not directly advised by us, or assist in designing review frameworks to ensure procedural independence and compliance.
Why work with Align
✔ Compliance secured: notices valid, timelines protected.
✔ Reduced programme risk: engagement done early and right.
✔ Transparent records: audit ready documentation.
✔ Community alignment: goodwill maintained through clear communication.
How Align Helps
LAND REQUIREMENT PLANS (LRPs)
Identifying affected parcels, owners, and interests.
STATUTORY NOTICES
Drafting and serving compliant, owners and interests.
LANDOWNER ENGAGEMENT
Negotiating conditions and managing responses
MAORI ENGAGEMENT
Liaising directly with marae, hapū, and trustees.
DISPUTE RESOLUTION
facilitating interval reviews under s165 - 167.
PROCESS DESIGN
Helping councils establish independent, defensible review frameworks.