Water reform no-go for Bay councils

‘Not convinced’ by Three-Waters proposal

Local government leaders and iwi across Hawke's Bay have rejected the Government's initial proposal for the Three Waters Reform and have written to the Minister of Local Government asking for a “rethink of the model”.

Reform of the country's drinking, storm and wastewater services was announced last year following the results of an inquiry into the Havelock North water crisis in 2016 where thousands of its residents became ill with campylobacteriosis.

The outbreak is believed to have affected 5500 of the town's 14,000 residents, leaving four dead and 45 in hospital.

Under the current proposal, responsibility for Hawke's Bay's Three Waters services would transfer to a regional entity comprising 21 councils from the East Coast of the North Island to the top of the South Island and the Chatham Islands.

Mayors, councillors and iwi representatives from the Central Hawke's Bay District Council, the Hawke's Bay Regional Council, Wairoa District Council, the Napier City Council and the Hastings District Council, met recently to provide feedback on the impact of what's proposed, and to put forward any unanswered questions.

They have since written to Local Government Minister Nanaia Mahuta for more information and setting out why the current proposal will not satisfy the Three Waters service delivery needs of Hawke's Bay.

Concerns about affordability of the scheme, local employment opportunities, and regional representation, particularly of mana whenua, were among their chief concerns.

Hastings Mayor Sandra Hazlehurst said they were all in agreement about the Government's case for change and the need for stronger water standards and a the new regulator.

“However, under the new government reform, with our regional partners, we are concerned that the proposed model of being part of one large entity to look after 21 councils and a million people across a large geographic area and two islands will meet the needs of our urban and rural communities.”

Localism was important to the region's success, she said.

“Hawke's Bay can demonstrate tangible success locally and regionally – achieved through the power of community action via civic leadership.

“We are not convinced that what Government is proposing will allow for us to continue meeting our commitment to ensuring was also a need to retain capability and jobs locally, Hazlehurst said.

Central Hawke's Bay Mayor Alex Walker said a review of the region's Three Waters systems was done last year, creating a regional approach that would achieve affordability and sustainability all Hawke's Bay.

“We are not convinced the proposal Government has put forward will meet the needs of our communities, on a number of levels.”

Hawke's Bay Regional Council chairman Rick Barker said they had asked Mahuta to consider this regional approach instead.

“Experience has shown us that when working together and to our respective strengths, local and central government and iwi can complement each other to deliver better outcomes for all.”