What does this mean for current and future developments and resource consents in Te Awamutu, Pirongia and Kihikihi?

Any development with existing or approved resource consent will be able to go ahead as planned. Any current applications, future developments and future resource consents will be subject to a three-year delay condition regarding water connection, so they can’t be connected before capacity is restored.

If there is a solution earlier, impacted developments will be allowed to make water connections earlier.

Will the three-year water delay condition apply to second houses or minor dwellings (granny flats)?

No. Permitted second houses or minor dwellings (such as granny flats) do not require a new water connection, so they can proceed without resource consent or a water connection application.

Can water connection applications for already consented developments in On Demand or Restricted Water Supply Areas be refused?

No. Where a water connection application relates to an already consented development within an On Demand Water Supply Area, it cannot be refused.

In Restricted Water Supply Areas, water connection approvals are a discretionary decision. However, as these areas are generally identified as future supply or growth areas (for example, the T12 growth cell), such applications will also be approved in practice.

Will this prevent current and future growth and development in Te Awamutu, Pirongia and Kihikihi?

Development that is already consented will be able to go ahead as planned. Council does not want to prevent future development, which is why development and resource consents will be able to continue with the subject to a three-year delay condition regarding water connections, if they are advanced.

What will happen after the three-year period?

The three-year period is intended to give time to restore water supply capacity and put a longer-term solution in place.

Waipā District Council is working with Waikato Waters, which will be responsible for the water supply network from July 1, 2026.

Delivering and managing the long-term solution will sit with Waikato Waters from July 1, with ongoing collaboration with Council.

If a solution is put in place earlier, impacted developments will be allowed to make water connections earlier.

Is there enough water available for fire and emergency services in Te Awamutu, Pirongia and Kihikihi?

Firefighting capacity remains a priority. Council is working closely with emergency services to ensure critical services, including firefighting and emergency response, can continue to operate effectively.

How is council working with high water users like Fonterra?

We are working closely with high water users, including Fonterra, through direct engagement and regular updates to support planning and manage demand together.

How is council working with mana whenua and iwi on this issue?

We are actively engaging with mana whenua and iwi to ensure their perspectives, values, and kaitiakitanga responsibilities are heard in the response and future planning.

Will this affect marae in the Te Awamutu, Pirongia and Kihikihi tākiwa?

The same water use guidance applies to marae. Council will be working closely with mana whenua and iwi partners to provide regular updates and support planning where needed.

Water restrictions may need to change or increase during peak demand periods, especially summer.

How will this impact local businesses in Te Awamutu, Pirongia and Kihikihi?

We’re working closely with key stakeholders to minimise disruption and keep businesses informed.

Local businesses can continue operating as usual.

What support is available for businesses in Te Awamutu, Pirongia and Kihikihi?

We are engaging directly with key business groups, including the Chamber of Commerce and major water users, to provide updates and guidance.

We will continue to share clear information, offer practical advice, and work with businesses to plan ahead and manage any potential impacts.

How can businesses in Te Awamutu, Pirongia and Kihikihi help?

Businesses can help by using water efficiently and reviewing their operations to reduce non-essential use, particularly during peak periods.

Every effort to conserve water supports the wider community and helps maintain a reliable supply for essential services.

Will my water pressure be reduced?

There is a risk that some residents may experience reduced water pressure at times, particularly during periods of high demand.

Council and Waikato Waters will monitor the water supply closely and will put water restrictions in place when needed to try and prevent reduced water pressure.

Will I have to be under water restrictions?

The district is currently under Alert Level Two water restrictions, this means residents are restricted to only use sprinklers on alternate days between 6 – 8am and 6 – 8pm. Also, avoid hosing driveways and footpaths, use trigger nozzles, cover pools and shorten showers.

Water restrictions may need to change or increase during peak demand periods, especially summer.

Visit the water alerts levels page for more information.

How can I conserve water?

Visit the water saving tips page to find ways to conserve water.

What does this mean in summer when the demand is higher?

We are actively monitoring the water supply and demand, especially ahead of peak summer use. Water restrictions may change or increase to reduce usage, if this is needed, we will notify you ahead of time.

Will we run out of water?

No, we are not expecting to run out of water.

This does not affect development or water supply in Cambridge.