Major water management reform could take responsibility for drinking water from councils

New Zealand councils could lose responsibility for providing drinking water under a major reform of national water management, the Government has announced.

Local Government Minister Nanaia Mahuta said she is exploring whether dedicated water providers should take over, as recommended from an inquiry launched after the deadly Havelock North gastroenteritis outbreak in August 2016.

Mahuta confirmed she has ruled out privatisation of existing infrastructure, saying the need for it to remain in public hands is a "core pillar" for the Government. Read more