April 19, 2023
Affordable Water changes back to mahi tahi
Prime Minister Chris Hipkins says the Affordable Water plan is a chance to get on with fixing water infrastructure and put aside the rancour over three waters.
He says unless the way water infrastructure is delivered changes, ratepayers will get stuck with higher rates bills.
Mr Hipkins says the issue of co-governance was used to stoke fear when ultimately it was about working together, mahi tahi.
“Three waters will be governed by a skills-based board. They’re going to be appointed based on their levels of knowledge of water infrastructure and their relevant expertise. The regional advisory groups will mean that local government and mana whenua have a voice in how our water assets are built up and how they are utilised,” he says.
Mr Hipkins says the changes also mean greater input from stakeholders in the way water catchments are managed.