Mayor's column – Investing in water, investing in our future
Published on 02 November 2026
A fortnightly column by Whangārei Mayor Ken Couper.
Our region has no shortage of potential. The challenge has always been turning it into a reality, something that delivers for us now and lasts for the generations who follow.
We are seeing two good examples of a vision going from theory to practice. Both have needed people on the ground in Northland to work alongside Central Government, and both show what happens when we see an idea through.
The first is the work of Te Tai Tokerau Water Trust. The Otawere Reservoir at Waimate North has now been officially opened, with Regional Development Minister Shane Jones joining the trust and the community to mark the occasion. It is the largest of the trust's three reservoirs, holding around 4 million cubic metres of water. It follows Matawii near Kaikohe and Te Waihekeora near Dargaville.
The trust's work began as a series of studies into how better access to water could support growth in the Mid North and Kaipara. Under the stewardship of Hon Murray McCully today, those reservoirs are built and operating. They give growers the confidence to invest, open up land for higher-value horticulture, and make our communities more resilient through dry summers.
What makes this investment significant is its enduring nature. These reservoirs will be supporting jobs, growers and communities long after today's decision-makers have moved on.
Although they sit in the Mid North and Kaipara, they matter to Whangārei too. Stronger rural economies mean more activity in our services, our businesses and our city centre. What is good for Northland will be good for Whangārei.
The second example is closer to home. Northland Waters, the new regional water company, is moving forward. Northlander and respected water leader Kate Simmonds is in place as Chief Executive, and the company's head office will be based here in Whangārei with operational and office locations across the region. A regional approach to water services was once an idea about how we could better serve the North. It is now taking shape and will deliver water and wastewater services for all the Northland district councils from 1 July 2027.
Water is fundamental to life. It underpins our health, our homes, our economy and our environment. Getting it right is one of the most important things we can do, and working together as a region gives us a stronger voice and a more sustainable path forward.
Both projects began with people asking what could help the North grow. They have been carried forward by collaboration, persistence and a willingness to think beyond the next term or the next budget.
Our region has many natural assets and attributes. The task for all of us is to unlock them in ways that deliver for our communities today and endure for generations to come. That means lifting our sights and taking the long-term view.
When we do that together, Northland's potential stops being something we talk about and becomes something we can see, use and build on.