In the red corner

New Zealanders have a long history of enjoying our freshwater resources. We expect to be able to swim in our rivers and lakes, and gather kai for our families. But the quality of our bodies of water doesn’t always allow this.

We must improve the way we deliver and regulate our wastewater and stormwater systems, which impact the quality of our freshwater. That’s why last year the Government launched the Three Waters Reform, a three-year programme to vastly improve local government three waters service delivery arrangements.

Sixty-seven different councils currently own and operate most drinking water, wastewater and stormwater services across the country.

And local government is facing some big challenges in the provision of these services.

They have to fund infrastructure deficits, comply with safety standards and environmental expectations, and build natural hazard and climate change resilience into three waters networks, all while supporting growth.

Rather than piecemeal solutions,

comprehensive, system-wide improvements are needed to ensure lasting change in our communities, and for our environment.

That’s why the Government intends to reform local government’s three waters services into a small number of multiregional entities, with a bottom line of public ownership.

The exact size, shape and design of these entities is still being worked through. However, they’re intended to provide scale while still taking account of local considerations.

Taumata Arowai, the new water services regulator, will have a national oversight role in these systems. Once fully operational, Taumata Arowai will be looking to shine a light on the way we regulate wastewater treatment in New Zealand.

We expect consent holders to comply with their consent conditions, and with growing awareness of impending changes to the regulatory regime there is already evidence of a more stringent approach.

For example, one district council was recently fined $500,000 for mismanagement of its wastewater plants.

The Government’s proposals for three water service delivery reforms will facilitate greater levels of investment in wastewater treatment too.

Clean water is crucial to our environment, our economy, and our reputation. And councils appear keen to get on with investing in critical water infrastructure and services. I’m hopeful about where the next chapter of our water journey with local government will lead.