May 08, 2024
Auckland water deal half full
A Māori water engineer says a deal between Auckland Council and the Government over future funding for Watercare is a step in the right direction.
The Government has agreed Auckland Council can withdraw from funding water infrastructure and Watercare can borrow money on its own balance sheet, allowing for a smaller rate increase this year.
Troy Brockbank, a board member of Water NZ, says the deal could have gone further.
“It only encompasses wastewater and drinking water. I would have liked them to bring in stormwater with an eye of bringing in more freshwater management, having a holistic view of water delivery services and water resources across the rohe in Tamaki Makaurau,” he says.
Mr Brockbank says because of Watercare’s unique circumstances it’s not a solution that could work elsewhere in the country.
Water NZ is holding a conference next week on how intelligent storm water management can contribute to creating water resilient communities.