Three Waters Reform Engagement
New Zealand’s Government recently announced a proposal to change the way three waters services (drinking water, stormwater and wastewater) are provided across the country.
Currently, each of New Zealand’s 67 councils is responsible for supplying and managing the provision of water services and infrastructure for their communities.
The Government’s Three Waters Reform proposes to remove that responsibility from councils and place the provision of three waters services under four large water entities. One of those entities (Entity C) would cover the east coast of the North Island and the top of the South Island.
Find the latest updates or get up to speed quickly
Department of Internal Affairs (DIA)
DIA are the leading agency for the reform and their website has the most detailed and up-to-date information:
- Latest updates: www.dia.govt.nz/three-waters-reform-programme
- Local dashboard: https://www.dia.govt.nz/Three-Waters-Reform-RfI#local-dashboard
- Frequently asked questions: https://www.dia.govt.nz/three-waters-reform-programme-frequently-asked-questions
Local Government New Zealand (LGNZ)
LGNZ represent the national interests of councils in New Zealand and lead best practice in the local government sector:
- Get quickly up to speed or dig deeper: https://www.lgnz.co.nz/reforms/three-waters
- Three Waters 101 Infographic: https://www.lgnz.co.nz/assets/Three-Waters-101-Infographic.pdf
- Three Waters Explained with FAQs: https://www.lgnz.co.nz/assets/Three-waters-explained-A3.pdf
What’s happening in Tararua District
To date the Government has not asked councils to consult with their communities. In Tararua, we want to carefully weigh up what’s best for our district and hear the views of residents.
An information sheet was released on 22 September 2021 to provide the Tararua District community with more information about the reform - including key statistics and projections for Tararua and a list of questions that Council has for Central Government.
Download the Information Sheet
You can also call us on 06 374 4080 or 06 376 0110 and request to be sent a copy or visit your nearest Council Service Centre or Library to collect a copy.
Want to share your views?
If you’d like to share your thoughts on the reform, please use the below contact form.
There will be another chance to have your say. This engagement is just a first step so that we can understand the initial concerns of our residents.
There will be a formal community engagement in the Tararua District after the Government releases more information in October.