November 2 2021
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Water decision a ‘radical reform’ u by Paul Campbell
The government decision to go ahead and create four publicly owned water entities to provide control of drinking, waste and stormwater infrastructure across the country, thereby wresting control from 67 councils, has been roundly criticised by Kaipara Mayor Jason Smith. “I don’t get the need for such a come hell or high water approach, especially right now during the Covid pandemic when people have more than enough other matters on which to focus,” he says. Dr Smith added he hopes for “better information soon” following confirmation from Local Government Minister Nanaia Mahuta that the government will create four entities “to ensure every New Zealander has access to affordable, longlasting drinking, waste and stormwater infrastructure without ballooning costs to households and families. “The case for change is too compelling to ignore. It is clear that without the establishment of these publicly-owned entities, we will continue to see a frail network and contaminated water in many communities. To delay will only push the problem on, increase future household costs and put livelihoods at risk.” Dr Smith said Kaipara people deserve to hear what’s happening and why. “Under the proposals, Kaipara ratepayers go from 100% ownership to somewhere between zero and a one per cent share of a bigger entity, but have no control over what happens. “Government forcing this on to us in my view makes these radical reforms. Kaipara District Council still has many questions about what is proposed and what it would mean for Kaipara people and ratepayers. However, these are still unanswered. It’s frustrating because we
Covid cases rise in district
Public Health interviews with 13 confirmed Northland Covid-19 cases, including a Kaipara household …
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Wastewater works require cash top up
Dargaville’s wastewater treatment plant requires desludging work to operate at peak efficiency …
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No parade, but Santa will visit
The Dargaville Lions’ Christmas Parade organisers have made the responsible, necessary but dismaying decision …
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BUILT STRONG WORK HARD
p Water check: Mayor Jason Smith visited Dargaville’s Opanake reservoir
can only see parts of the picture, and whatever it is is now murky rather than clear. I hope for better information soon.“ Minister Mahuta says the reforms have been long signalled. “In our manifesto, we committed to tackling big issues that others have long neglected in order to future-proof New Zealand. It is estimated $185 billion is needed to fix, upgrade and maintain New Zealand’s water services over the next 30 years to ensure that critical water infrastructure is maintained. “Local councils are trying to deal with the upkeep of ageing infrastructure, which
is literally crumbling in some of our biggest cities. They face the additional strains of growing population, climate change resilience and extreme weather events, as well as competing for a limited number of skilled workers to do the job. “As we recover from the impacts of Covid-19, we are helping accelerate our economic recovery through the creation of 6,000 to 9,000 new jobs and a boost to our economy of $14 billion to $23 billion over the next 30 years. “We will continue to work with councils and ensure that local participation is evident in the critical next phase.” ¢
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