Central government has passed legislation which requires councils to consult on options for how they manage and deliver water services. Local Water Done Well is central government’s new policy for Three Waters reform.
It allows councils to choose the best option for how they deliver water services (drinking water, wastewater and stormwater – the “three waters”) for their communities.
In August last year, councils started investigating potential structures and arrangements for delivering water services. The three North Canterbury councils of Hurunui, Kaikoura and Waimakariri have worked closely together to look at the best possible options for their communities.
Consultation
Each council considered the best option for their respective communities with a particular focus on efficiency to ensure water charges would be affordable and to ensure each council had sufficient financial headroom for further investment over the next decade or so.
After considering the financial, and other, implications of various models, from an internal business unit to a variety of Council Controlled Organisation structures and Trust models, Hurunui Council is coming to its communities with two proposals:
1. Providing water services through a joint Water Services Council Controlled Organisation (WSCCO) owned by the Hurunui District Council and Kaikōura District Council;
2. The Hurunui District Council continues to deliver three waters services through an in-house business unit, but changes the way that it does this in order to comply with the new legislative reforms relating to economic regulation.
We are seeking community views on the two options considered, before making a final decision.
You can read more about these options, including the financial implications, in the Consultation Document, which can be accessed by clicking on the button link below called 'Consultation Document'.
Have Your Say:
We want to hear from our community their views on the options being proposed.
Submissions should be in writing in the first instance.
Online submissions: Please click on the button link below - 'Make an online submission'
Email to: submissions@hurunui.govt.nz. Please put ‘Local Water Done Well’ in the subject line.
Hardcopy submissions: You may use the submission form at the back of the Consultation Document, which is available from all Council libraries or service centres or by phoning the Council. You can also print this off via the button link below 'Consultation Document'.
You may also submit in another format (not using the form). Please ensure you include your name and contact details.
Post to: Local Water Done Well, Hurunui District Council, P.O. Box 13, Amberley 7441
For more information: Phone: Amberley 03 314 8816 (Cheviot Freephone 03 319 8812; Amuri and Hanmer Springs Freephone 03 315 8400).
