Queenstown Lakes District mayor Jim Boult is one of a number of New Zealand mayors to express their disappointment at the government’s decision to push ahead with its Three Waters reform.

Yesterday (October 27), minister for local government Nanaia Mahuta announced government- established entities would take control of councils’ water services and assets, a decision the mayor said felt like a “knee jerk reaction”.

The country’s 67 councils are currently each responsible for water management in their regions but the government plans to change that model by creating four entities, governed jointly by an appointed board and Māori, to own and manage drinking water, wastewater and stormwater.

Councils have been reviewing the government’s proposed reforms in recent months, believing they had the option to opt in or out, but yesterday Nanaia said it would be mandatory for councils to comply.

“This council had undertaken that work with the expectation that it would be part of a longer discussion yet to be had, which would include an opportunity to consult with and reflect the views of our communities,” Jim said. “That opportunity has been taken away and a completely different pathway is now before us all.”

Mayor Jim Boult said he was disappointed by the announcement on Three Waters.

See also: ‘QLDC opposes key element of Three Waters reform’

Nanaia acknowledged the decision would be unpopular but said it was necessary to fix a “broken system”.

“It is clear that without the establishment of these entities we will continue to see a frail network and contaminated water in many communities,” she said. “To delay will only push the problem on, increase future household costs and put livelihoods at risk.”

She said a working group will be set up before November, legislation would take place in December, the select committee process would begin in early 2022 and the four new water entities would take responsibility for water services in July 2024. 

At least eight other New Zealand mayors have made statements opposing the brute force approach to Three Waters reform, but Local Government New Zealand (LGNZ) president Stuart Crosby said there were silver linings to be found.

“As a country we’ve known for decades that many of our councils are enormously challenged by the cost to deliver water services and this is only going to get worse with competing pressures for growth, climate change and compliance with water regulations,” Stuart said. 

"While the announcement stings for councils who have been good stewards of their infrastructure, ultimately the nation-wide affordability challenge in the water space needed to be answered.”

Jim said he wanted to know more about the working group’s remit, the voice of council’s in the process and QLDC’s next options.

“...I will be discussing this with my fellow elected members to agree how we influence this ongoing process to deliver the best outcomes for our local communities,” he said.

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