Invercargill could get its own urban catchment group in 2027 as council and Thriving Southland talk water

Invercargill could have its own urban catchment group by 2027, with Thriving Southland and Invercargill City Council exploring how to help city residents understand where their water comes from and goes.

The plan was announced at Thriving Southland's annual meeting in Invercargill, Farmers Weekly reported on Friday.

Thriving Southland describes itself as a catchment collective and has worked mainly with rural communities.

Outgoing independent chair Jeff Grant said talks with the city council, and the group's continuing relationship with Environment Southland, had led to discussions about a catchment group inside the city boundary.

"Thriving Southland is quite excited about this concept," he said.

The aim is to set up the group in 2027, with other non-government organisations also involved.

Deputy mayor Grant Dermody, who chairs the council's water committee, said the city could learn from the way Thriving Southland worked.

"How do we get our communities to value water?" he said.

"Water has become invisible. We turn on the tap and expect clean water."

The city's underground networks include about 300km of wastewater pipe and 400km of stormwater pipe.

"Much of that infrastructure is never seen or thought about until something goes wrong," Mr Dermody said.

He said water networks around the country were ageing, drinking water standards were getting tougher and building and running costs were climbing.

The city council plans to spend $37 million on capital work for drinking water, wastewater and stormwater in the next financial year.

"How do we bring our communities with us?" Mr Dermody said.

He said Thriving Southland had shown in rural areas that regulation on its own did not lead to better environmental results.

"They come from engagement, education, and enablement," he said.

He said the group's approach had shifted the conversation past compliance and towards shared responsibility and local leadership.

Mr Dermody said schools, mana whenua, neighbourhoods and businesses could lead projects, with the council in support.

"Imagine if our schools and businesses and our community organisation began asking, 'What can we do differently?'" he said.

What happens next

Thriving Southland, the city council and Environment Southland are continuing talks, with the goal of having the urban catchment body running in 2027.

The annual meeting also marked Mr Grant's departure as Thriving Southland's independent chair.