DCC listening to submitters on Water Supply Bylaw

The Dunedin City Council acknowledges the concerns expressed by 3 Peaks trail runners over potential access restrictions arising from Dunedin’s proposed new Water Supply Bylaw, and is working to address their concerns as part of the ongoing process.

DCC General Manager 3 Waters, Property and Urban Development David Ward says there is no intention to further restrict public access to the popular walking and running trails in the area.

“We acknowledge the new bylaw, as currently drafted, would impact on existing public access arrangements in some areas – as has been highlighted in the submissions process.

“That is not the intent of the bylaw, and staff are now working on a suite of recommended changes – based on the public feedback received – to address the issues raised during the submissions process.

“The aim is to develop an updated bylaw that reflects current access arrangements. The staff recommendations will then be considered by the Hearings Committee before final decisions are made by Council.”

The new bylaw will replace the Water Bylaw from 2011, and aims to make the rules clearer, more consistent, and better aligned with current national water regulations.

Key changes include a three-step approval process for new water supply connection applications, broader tools for enforcing compliance with bylaw requirements, and clarifying definitions to make the bylaw easier to understand.

Mr Ward says, “The proposed bylaw is about making sure Dunedin’s water supply network continues to work well for everyone.

“This bylaw helps protect our water supply and gives customers, developers, and the wider community greater clarity about how the system works. It supports safe, reliable water services now and as the city continues to grow.”

“It is also important to note the DCC is part-way through a public process that gives everyone the opportunity to have their say, and allows for changes to be made in response to submissions. That’s what is happening now.”

A public hearing on the changes is now scheduled for 22 May 2026, and a final decision by Council will follow on 24 June 2026.

“As part of this process, we will also be reopening consultation on access for hunting and trapping provisions – in ‘restricted’ and ‘open’ catchments – for a short period, closing on 10 May 2026. This is intended to allow the public to have their say on one of the specific changes we’ve identified, before it is considered.”

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