Tasman District Council says consultation with the community remained an essential part of an informed decision-making process regarding its involvement in the Three Waters Reforms. 

Tasman Mayor Tim King said the Council is still working to gain a clear understanding on what the proposed reforms will mean for Tasman, based on the information provided by central government to date. 

At this stage, the Council has agreed to continue engagement with the Department of Internal Affairs to assess its options. 

 A report was presented to the Council on 12 August with a second report expected to be presented in September.   

Tim said the reforms had significant implications for the Council and the community, not only about who provides the services but what local input or influence will drive future investment decisions and costs. 

He said a number of questions still needed to be addressed before worthwhile feedback could be provided to Government. 

These included clarification of standards to be set and enforced by Taumata Arowai, central government’s new drinking water regulator.   

“It’s important that we make a fully-informed decision as to whether we will remain in or opt-out of the proposed reforms, should that choice be available.” 

Based on feedback received so far, Tim said the Council shared a number of concerns with the Tasman community, particularly around potential loss of asset ownership, decisions that will be made outside the region without local knowledge and whether the forecast efficiencies and cost-savings will be realised. 

“To ensure we are advocating strongly for the Tasman community’s best interest, there needs to be an opportunity to sufficiently engage with residents and seek feedback on how the reforms may affect them.” 

“As things stand currently, any decision of this significance needs to undergo a full public consultation process -  the short timeframe in which feedback is required means any process needs to be completed by the end of this year.” 

In the meantime, Tasman residents were urged to offer feedback to the DIA and central government directly.   

For more information, refer to: 
DIA's Three Waters website Better water is better for everyone - Three Waters Reform Programme(external link)  
or the Tasman District Council’s report from August 12 Meetings calendar | Tasman District Council(external link)