The Government has listened to feedback and we’re making major changes to our affordable water reforms, while still delivering big cost savings to New Zealand households, says Northcote MP Shanan Halbert.
“The significant changes to the community’s affordable water reforms that will establish ten new regional entities including here in on the North Shore, which will still deliver big cost savings to local ratepayers is welcome news”, says Shanan Halbert.
“Feedback from Local Government has been clear that our water infrastructure deficit needs to be addressed now if we’re to save households from ballooning bills that will make water unaffordable, and that the reform programme must be led at a regional level. We agree.
“With the costs to address the water infrastructure deficit projected to be up to $185 billion over the next 30 years, we cannot leave these costs to ratepayers with rates rises in Auckland to $3,910 per year by 2054 if we do nothing.
“Under our proposal to establish ten entities New Zealand households will still make big savings, projected at $2,450 a year by 2054 on average. This is a 63% cost difference – a substantial amount to local ratepayers.
“These reforms will upgrade water infrastructure in our growing community. Too many of us have seen in this community first-hand the recent flooding, cyclone, and extreme weather events. Our water infrastructure needs to be ready. And our beaches need to be protected. And we are prepared to partner with industry to achieve that,” says Shanan Halbert.
Notes: further information on Affordable Water Reforms can be found at https://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/major-shakeup-will-see-affordable-water-reforms-led-and-delivered-regionally
