Local Government (Water Services) Bill

As stated in our submission on the then Local Government (Water Services Preliminary Arrangements) Bill, we agree that how we deliver water services for our communities (drinking, wastewater and stormwater) must improve.

The broader system issues surrounding the way in which we have historically delivered water services, as well as the political environment that local government operates in, have created challenges. We continue to welcome and support water services reform that will achieve better overall outcomes, and support councils by providing longer-term clarity, certainty and security for this critical lifeline service.

LGNZ supports the policy underpinning Local Water Done Well, in particular its intentions to retain water assets in local ownership and provide councils with choice in relation to their future delivery of water services, following consultation with the communities that rely on that service. It also supports the introduction of a new regulatory regime for water services, but also remains concerned about the increased costs that will be borne by councils, and households.

Read the submission