Mayor Lianne Dalziel: Too early to make call on water reforms

The Government has released details on how it plans to reform the provision of three water services in New Zealand by establishing four new water entities.

As part of this release, the Government has produced dashboards which contain some Council specific information about the water reforms to help support local decision-making. (See below)

“Looking at the dashboard for Christchurch it is difficult to yet see a compelling case for change,’’ says Christchurch Mayor Lianne Dalziel.

“I am aware there is more information to come about the full implications for the city of moving the provision of three waters to the proposed new entity.

“Until we get the full package and have all the pieces of the puzzle in front of us, it is difficult to judge whether it is in Christchurch’s best interests to be part of the new entity,’’ Mayor Dalziel says.

“The Government has said that it will provide Councils with more information on the financial implications of transitioning to the new entities at the end of July. Once we have that information, we will then need to engage with our communities and get their feedback on whether they want us to continue with the reform process or opt out.’’

One of the four entities the Government is proposing would cover the Ngāi Tahu takiwā (most of the South Island), including Christchurch. It would provide services and infrastructure relating to drinking water, wastewater and stormwater to 864,350 people.

Local authorities would own the entities, with joint oversight from mana whenua.

“It is positive to see the Government seeking to facilitate iwi partnerships and we are very mindful of the significance of our decision to others in the takiwa,’’ Mayor Dalziel says.

Find out more about the water reforms.