Feedback from community critical.

As a council we are currently in the process of engaging and consulting with the community on the most significant policy direction change since 1989. “Local Water Done Well” is our focus as we speak with our community and receive the community comment.

It has been heartening to me to have some attendance at the public forums held throughout the district over the past two weeks, and I would personally like to thank those who attended and raised questions to clarify the proposal.

The consultation period closes on 21 April, and we are seeking your feedback on the proposal for the Hurunui District Council preferred option for a Water Services Joint Council Controlled Organisation.

This is the single most significant action of our council and as I write I am conscious that members of our community may not have this in their line of sight.

I highlight the subject now because I have a personal objective of trying to encourage and facilitate the greatest possible level of community involvement given its high significance.

So, if you were unable to attend and want to understand more on the Local Water Done Well implications you could jump on the Hurunui District Council website and follow the tab to “Consultation Document” this outlines the options and gives direction for the preferred option of your council. However, I cannot stress enough the importance of hearing from you, your input will help your elected members evaluate and consider the pathway forward.

A Council Controlled Organisation (CCO) is a company owned by a council or councils, the Water Service Council Controlled Organisation (WSCCO) will be designed to focus exclusively on water services including drinking, waste and stormwater management.

The Governance of a WSCCO will be governed by a board of directors, who collectively must have a mix of appropriate skills, knowledge and experience in providing water services.

The price of water will be overseen by the Commerce Commission and new levies have already been introduced for both the Commerce Commission and Taumata Arowai as water regulator.

As already mentioned, this is the single most significant decision, and it is important we hear from you before 21 April. Your voice is important!!

If you want to know more, please make contact.

Kind regards

Marie