Councillors receive report on proposed Three Waters Reform

Published on 16 September 2021

A report on the government’s Three Waters Reform programme was presented to Whanganui district councillors this week. Chief Financial Officer, Mike Fermor reported on key aspects of the government’s proposals as they would apply to Whanganui.

He says, “The big picture for New Zealand is affordable, good quality three waters services for everyone, regardless of where you live, which includes safe drinking water, swimmable rivers, improved environmental outcomes and resilience in water networks. This is an outcome that most of us want for New Zealand.

“But what is the best delivery model for the three waters services that would achieve this outcome? That’s what local authorities around the country are trying to understand. The government has made it very clear that the status quo for councils is not an option; new regulations will require a significant increase in investment in three waters.”

In late July, councils were given an eight week period through to 30 September 2021 to understand the three waters reform proposal and how it affects their council and community.

Mike Fermor says, “During this period we’re not making decisions. We have been working through a significant amount of material to try to understand the reform package so we can go back to the government with the right questions.”

Significant further announcements from the government are expected after 30 September, 2021 which will outline the next steps to be taken in the process.

Whanganui District Council is running a public information campaign throughout September. Mike Fermor says, “We’ve provided comprehensive information about the proposal on our website. We’ve also set up an online portal to enable our community to raise with us any issues they believe council should pass on to the government on their behalf during this eight week period.”

Councillors expressed a range of views in their questions and comments after receiving the report. Mayor Hamish McDouall said, “I have spoken many times about my concern about cross-subsidisation.” He referred to other councils that would be needing considerably more investment in their three waters infrastructure and commented on the government’s proposal to create four entities to manage water services.

He said another issue was the time frame, suggesting it would be ideal for the new regulator, Taumata Arowai, to be established and working with councils in advance of major structural changes. “The time frame is putting such incredible pressure on us: on council staff, on local government staff all over the country, let alone the pressure on getting the correct information out to the public.” He said this was also layered with other significant reforms affecting local government.

Mayor Hamish said costs would be higher in future, whether the council or the proposed water service entities deliver three waters services. “It’s not going to get easier. It will never get easier – and it shouldn’t. For example, it’s not going to get easier to put storm water into our river.” He emphasised that decisions for Whanganui need to be made with treaty partners, the river and the whole community.

For information about the Three Waters Reform proposal visit www.whanganui.govt.nz/three-waters-reform

View the presentation and download the report

View the 14 September 2021 meeting livestream

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