You will be aware that Central Government has announced it will be legislating to push through the Three Waters Reform, amalgamating the water services of 67 local councils into four national entities. It will no longer be the Council’s responsibility to manage these services.
The Council made detailed submissions to the Government on the proposal. Some matters have been addressed by the Government but there is a lot more work to do. The Government will now establish a working group to refine outstanding elements of the reform.
The Government has also scheduled ongoing communications and engagement, including public submissions and hearings, as part of the legislative process.
The Council wanted to delay the programme as we don't support the proposal in its current form. We will be requesting that those opportunities to submit and be heard are provided to Tasman residents.
The indicative next steps in the process are expected as the following:
- November: Representation and accountability working group established.
- Early December: Water Services Entities Bill introduced to Parliament.
- Mid December: First reading of the Bill and referral to Select Committee: call for submissions.
- Early 2022: Public consultation on Water Services Entities Bill through Select Committee process; National Transition Unit engagement with local authorities begins.
- June 2022: Report back on Water Services Entities Bill.
- July 2022: $500 million in ‘better-off’ funding available for councils.
- July 2024: Four new entities take responsibility for delivering water services; up to $2 billion additional funding available for councils.
For more information go to the Three Waters Reform page at dia.govt.nz. To read the feedback that we provided to Central Government, check out this page on our website.(external link)