Central Government has proposed changes to the way drinking water, waste water and storm water are delivered in our communities. With major challenges ahead for the three water services (collectively known as Three Waters), the proposed changes aim to ensure all New Zealanders have access to safe, reliable and affordable water services, while taking better care of our environment.

At the beginning of August (2021), the Government gave Councils eight weeks to review and provide feedback on what’s being proposed. Council’s are not being asked to make a decision on the proposal – the time will be spent gaining a full understanding off what impact the water reform will have on Council and our community.

This week Council will begin a series of workshops to weigh up the pros and cons of the model. We haven’t got a position on the Three Waters reform proposal yet, because before making any decision we want to understand both sides of the case for change.

Council will share its view on the proposed Three Waters reform with Government at the end of September 2021. It will then be up to Government to assess the feedback and decide how it will progress.

In the meantime, we’ll bring you update after each Council workshop with the key takeaways as we look to –

1. Understand the key features of the proposed model and how it is intended to work.
2. Apply the proposed model to our circumstances, both today and in the future.
3. Consider the model holistically – in terms of service, finance and funding, economic development and growth, workforce, delivery and capability, and social, cultural and environmental wellbeing.