Source: New Zealand Parliament – Hansard
Question No. 5—Local Government
5. DAVID MacLEOD (National—New Plymouth) to the Minister of Local Government: Does he stand by his statement, “The Government will restore council ownership and control of water assets”; if so, what actions has he taken to fulfil this commitment?
Hon SIMEON BROWN (Minister of Local Government): Yes. Yesterday, the coalition Government delivered on its promise to repeal the divisive three waters programme that would’ve taken local decisions away from communities. The vast majority of councils were opposed to Labour’s three waters. This Government is delivering on our commitment to restore local council ownership and control of water assets.
David MacLeod: Why was it necessary for the Government to repeal the Water Services Entities Act 2022?
Hon SIMEON BROWN: Well, communities throughout the country made it clear that the previous Government’s plans to mandate 10 mega-bureaucracies, taking local control of water assets and prescribing co-governance, was hugely unpopular. We’re asking councils to lead the way in developing local solutions to our water services challenges. This includes requiring them to provide water service delivery plans that outline how they will deliver on outcomes for water quality, infrastructure investment, and financial sustainability.
David MacLeod: Why is it important for councils and communities to have local ownership and control of water assets?
Hon SIMEON BROWN: Because councils know what is needed for their communities when it comes to water infrastructure in their communities, unlike the previous Government, which wanted to mandate—
SPEAKER: No, that’s enough—that’s enough.
David MacLeod: What are the next steps in making sure that local water is done well?
Hon SIMEON BROWN: Well, the Government will be implementing Local Water Done Well through two further bills. The next bill will be passed by the middle of 2024, setting out provisions relating to council service delivery plans and transitional economic regulations. A next bill to provide for the long-term replacement scheme will be introduced in December 2024.
