Tasman District Council has provided the Government with feedback on the proposed Three Waters Reform as well as seeking a timeline extension around the proposal to gain further clarity.

A report presented to a Full Council meeting on 29 September by Group Manager – Community Infrastructure, Richard Kirby outlined the analysis of the three waters information provided to the Council, noting the impacts and the service delivery options available at this time.

After almost four hours’ discussion, elected members passed a 17-point resolution which summarised the Council's position and formed the basis for feedback given to central government by 30 September.

Elected members agreed that as currently proposed, the Three Waters Reform did not respond to the concerns widely expressed by this and other councils.

If those concerns are not addressed, the Council would likely not support the reform programme at this stage.

Analysis indicated that while there may be a financial case for change for the Tasman District, the other non-financial factors relating to governance, ongoing Council influence on the Water Service Entity and the impacts, benefits, issues and risks of reform would significantly influence the Council’s final decision.

The inclusion of stormwater in Three Waters Reform was seen as problematic and a full examination of the impacts, options and costs including on the Council’s roading, regulatory and parks and reserves functions was required.

The Council did not confirm a preference for any specific Water Service entity(WSE), however it did confirm that its territorial boundary must remain intact to include Murchison.

Mayor Tim King was authorised to write to Local Government Minister Nanaia Mahuta requesting an extension to the reform timeline.

This would allow the Government to undertake a comprehensive information campaign on the reform.

For the Council, an extension would enable greater clarity to be achieved regarding water entity governance and overall financial transition arrangements, and better understanding of the effects of the Water Services Bill on the Council’s responsibilities.

It would also enable a better understanding of the Government’s position on transferring the Council’s interests and debt in the Waimea Community Dam, greater certainty of the three waters reform in the context of the future of local government review and “consideration of alternatives”.

Once feedback has been received from councils around the country, the Government will decide what the next phase of the reform will be.

Council staff will report back with advice once further information and guidance has been received from the Government and Local Government New Zealand on these next steps.

Mayor King reiterated the purpose of the meeting was not to make a decision about proceeding or opting out of the Three Waters Reform. It did however, provide an opportunity to refine the Council’s stance and knowledge of the reforms.

He reiterated it was vital to gain an understanding of the community’s views once the Council has further information from the Government on the next steps in the reform process.

However, the Council agreed that the Government had to own and front the need for change with communities and iwi partners, including coordination of any consultation process.

“This has put us in a challenging position, with these reforms significantly changing the ownership governance and management of the assets we hold on behalf of the community, and in conjunction with the other significant reforms, the flow on implications for the future of Local Government."

“The large amount of feedback we have received has clearly been opposed to the current proposal – but given the implications of the Water Services Bill, increasing regulations and standards and potential future costs - it isn’t that simple.”

“The ball is now back in the Government’s court and we await their response on the feedback received before deciding council’s next steps.”

As well as presentation of the report, a webinar attended by more than 60 people provided an opportunity to hear more about what the proposed reforms may mean for the region and for their questions to be answered.