The Central Otago District Council (CODC) says it will review the government's recent funding announcement towards local government transition through the Three Waters reforms before making a decision to join the reform programme. 

Earlier this week the government announced a $2.5 billion package to support local government transition through the reforms to New Zealand’s drinking water, wastewater and stormwater services. 

The package, Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern says, will also stimulate local economies while creating jobs and unlocking infrastructure for housing.

“New Zealand’s water systems are facing a significant crisis and will continue to do so without major transformation,” the PM explained. 

“Overhauling our drinking, waste and stormwater services will benefit all New Zealand communities, no matter where they are in the country.

She says the support package will “ensure that no council is worse off as a result of the reforms”. 

CODC CEO Sanchia Jacobs says the Council will take its time with the process.

“The Council is taking the opportunity to understand all of the information, and the pros and cons for both options, before it makes a decision on whether it will stay in or opt out of the reform programme.

“One thing is already clear, there is no status quo, so even if we opt out there will be a significant investment and work programme required to meet the drinking water standards and expectations of the new Water Regulator, Taumata Arowai.

“In the coming weeks we will be analysing the data and testing what the proposition means for Central Otago. 

“We will also being communicating key points with our community, so our people have the information they need to understand what this means. 

“It is important that we take the time to do that to get the best outcome for Central Otago in this reform process.”

The issue has been a flashpoint for local irrigators, with Councils worried about losing control of waterways to new, national entities. 

Local Government Minister Nanaia Mahuta says that Central and Local Government had “very similar goals and it was important that the two tiers of government approached these challenges together”.