Water services reforms
The government is proposing changes to the way our drinking-water, stormwater, and wastewater services are delivered.
National's Three Waters Reform was originally triggered by the 2016 campylobacteriosis outbreak in Havelock North. This event led to the introduction of new legislation and a new national regulator for water services called Taumata Arowai.
Currently most three waters assets and services in New Zealand are owned and delivered by local councils and are paid for by rates.
With elections held this year, each party has proposed how to reform the three water services.
Affordable Water Reform – Labour Party
The government is proposing changes to the way our drinking-water, stormwater, and wastewater services are delivered through the Three Waters Reform which is now known as the Affordable Water Reform.
Currently most three waters assets and services in New Zealand are owned and delivered by local councils and are paid for by rates.
The Local Government Minister Kieran McAnulty announced changes on the 13 April 2023 which proposes to move from the original 4 entities from the Three Waters reform to 10 entities.
Please read the fact sheet which outlines the new proposal.
Local Water Done Well – National Party
The National Party released their reform ‘Local Water Done Well’ which is their plan should they win the election later in the year. Their plan outlines four key messages:
- Repeal Three Waters and scrap co-governed mega-entities.
- Restore council ownership and control.
- Set strict rules for water quality and investment in infrastructure.
- Ensure water services are financially sustainable.
For more information, please see their policy
What is Council doing?
Council is considering to what extent the proposed reforms will benefit the community now and in the future.
Council has received information from the government and has participated in various workshops and meetings to better understand what is being proposed and what it may mean for us in Buller.
Quality drinking water with responsible environmental outcomes continues to be a priority for Council.
Council will work through the risks and opportunities the proposed reforms offer our communities.
The reform proposals are complex.
The Mayor is available at weekly chat sessions at the Clocktower most Monday mornings 9am – noon. Residents are welcome to call in and have a chat with him about the proposed reforms or other topics.
