A nationwide reform of how New Zealand manages drinking water, wastewater, and stormwater (the Three Waters) is being led by Government. The draft Water Services Entities Bill, one of several pieces of legislation that enables the reform, has now been made public.
Government says the changes will mean future costs for ratepayers are less than they would be without reform, will protect the environment and public health, support housing and infrastructure development, and deliver services in an efficient and sustainable way.
If the Government meets its planned timelines, Council will not be delivering water services after July 2024. Hamilton’s water services would be delivered by a new entity covering Waikato, Bay of Plenty, Taranaki, and parts of Manawatu-Whanganui.
Government has opened a public consultation period and we want to hear from you to help shape Hamilton City Council’s submission to Government. To meet Government’s deadline, we need your views between 22 June and 7 July 2022.
Government is preparing for a once-in-a-generation change to how New Zealand manages and delivers water services. The legislation is now available, and this is our opportunity to give our views about it, and how it could be improved for Hamiltonians.
Over the past year, as reform has developed, Council has been advocating on behalf of its community, providing feedback to Government at every opportunity, and ensuring the organisation is prepared for any change.
Hamilton City Council is opposed to the Government’s model for reform. We do, however, recognise that at a national level some change is required.
We want to get the best outcomes for Hamiltonians out of any reform, and that means giving the views of Council and its communities to Government.
This consultation closes on 7 July. Public feedback will be reported to our Mayor and Councillors as they consider Council’s submission to Government. Council has until 22 July 2022 to provide its submission.
This consultation also explains how you can also provide submissions directly to Government until 22 July 2022.
A select committee process, including hearings, will consider the Bill before it goes through further Parliamentary processes and potential revisions and (if approved) becomes law.
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