Three Waters move gives some certainty to sector

• Published date: 04 November 2021
• Publication title: Guardian, The

Both have long-term ramifications for the progress and prosperity of Palmerston North.

Minister of Local Government Nanaia Mahuta has now mandated that regional authorities accept the outcome of the Government’s Three Waters reforms. Three Waters is the Government’s plan to establish nationally four publicly owned entities to take responsibility for drinking water, wastewater and stormwater away from local councils.

Given the signals Government has been sending for some time now, this decision doesn’t surprise me.

The minister has made her commitment to reform clear, and the Government has the numbers to push this through. Although it’s never great to have something mandated, at least it gives some certainty over the country’s numerous waters projects, including our own here in Palmy.

For those who work in the under-pressure sector it’s been an unsettling time, and this announcement has been important for the job security of our people working in this area.

Yes, it’s a pity the proposed reforms don’t allow an opt-in arrangement for councils, and I can understand the angst around local democracy appearing to be pushed aside by a government mandate.

But there has been so much misinformation swirling around, with numbers and quotes from various mayors and commentators based on the status quo.

In Palmerston North we realise the status quo no longer cuts it.

There is already a demand for better waters standards to combat climate change and meet growing environmental expectations. It will require massive infrastructure improvements from all councils, while the affordability challenge needs to be addressed nationwide.

So, getting anywhere near full sector endorsement simply wasn’t going to happen, forcing the minister’s hand.

Although this is a central government reform, the local government sector did ask some years ago for improvements to the planning, funding and financing of the nation’s waters infrastructure.

Although never formally voting, Palmerston North City Council has generally been supportive of the reforms. I...