Closure of Arohena Rural Water Scheme

The closure of the drinking water component of the Arohena Rural Water Scheme has now been confirmed, following the binding referendum held in February and March 2026.

96.3% of counted votes supported closing the drinking water component of the scheme and transitioning the three supplies to stock water only.

Ōtorohanga District Council formally adopted the referendum result in April 2026 and is now working through a planned transition, with the drinking water service scheduled to close on 31 March 2027.

Arohena Rural Water Scheme

The Arohena Rural Water Scheme includes three individual water supplies:

• Kahorekau
• Huirimu
• Taupaki

The supplies have operated as Council-managed rural drinking water supplies for more than 40 years.

However, they have been unable to meet the Drinking Water Quality Assurance Rules without significant upgrades. Council previously estimated the investment required to bring the supplies up to the required drinking water standards at around $6 million.

Approximately 90% of the treated water supplied through the scheme is used for agricultural purposes, with only a small proportion used as drinking water.

The community decision

Following an extensive process of engagement and statutory decision-making, a binding referendum was held with voting opening on 24 February 2026 and closing on 3 March 2026.

The result showed overwhelming support for closure, with 96.3% of counted votes in favour of closing the drinking water component and making the supplies stock water only.

As the referendum exceeded the required 75% majority, the result was binding on Council.

Council formally accepted and adopted the referendum result in April 2026 and approved proceeding with the planned closure.

What happens now?

The drinking water component of the Arohena Rural Water Scheme is scheduled to close on 31 March 2027.

After this date, Kahorekau, Huirimu and Taupaki will continue as stock water only supplies and will no longer provide Council-managed drinking water.

Council is working through a planned transition with scheme users ahead of the closure date.

This includes:

• providing scheme users with information and advance notice of the closure
• introducing new water supply agreements for the stock water supplies
• establishing arrangements for the ongoing maintenance and operation of the stock water scheme
• supporting affected landowners with technical advice as they transition to alternative drinking water sources
• installing a self-supply drinking water system for the Arohena Hall
• removing or securing drinking water infrastructure that will no longer be required
• deregistering the drinking water supplies with Taumata Arowai.

What do property owners need to do?

Connected property owners will need to have their own drinking water solution in place before the Council-managed drinking water service closes on 31 March 2027.

Individual property owners are responsible for arranging and funding a drinking water system that meets the needs of their property.

Council staff can provide technical advice where needed, but Council will not be providing financial assistance for individual self-supply systems.

Further information will be provided directly to scheme users as the transition progresses.

What happens to the stock water supply?

The wider scheme is not being completely shut down.

From 31 March 2027, the Kahorekau, Huirimu and Taupaki supplies will operate as stock water only supplies.

New water supply agreements and maintenance arrangements will be put in place for connected users.

Because Arohena will no longer be a drinking water supply, it will not transfer to Waikato Waters Ltd as a potable rural water scheme when other Council water services transition.

Key dates

24 February 2026
Referendum voting opened.

3 March 2026
Referendum voting closed.

April 2026
Council formally adopted the binding referendum result and approved the closure of the drinking water component of the scheme.

November 2026
New stock water supply agreements are scheduled to be provided to connected users.

January - February 2027
Maintenance arrangements, removal of surplus drinking water equipment and installation of the Arohena Hall self-supply system are scheduled to be completed.

31 March 2027
Council-managed drinking water supply closes. Kahorekau, Huirimu and Taupaki transition to stock water only.

Supporting documents, Council reports and the official referendum results are available on this page.