April 13, 2023
Councils get more say in three waters reset
Mana whenua will continue to have a say in the management of water infrastructure under an amended three waters plan released today.
Rather than have four giant entities nationally taking over provision of fresh water, waste water and storm water services, the task will now be done by 10 new regional entities.
The entities will be owned by local councils on behalf of the public, and entity borders will be based on existing regional areas.
Local Government Minister Kieran McAnulty says each entity will be run by a professional board, with members appointed on competency and skill.
Strategic oversight and direction to be provided by local representative groups with every local council in the country, as well as mana whenua, getting a seat at the table.
Mr McAnulty says the Government has listened to feedback from local government.
He says the revised structure will still deliver big cost savings to New Zealand households and avoid the rates blow out that would happen if responsibility for the necessary upgrades was left with councils.