This week the Government has released its long awaited announcement on the future of the three waters. See below for links to Cabinet papers and industry response.
Member ID
WNZ002
Category
WNZ Staff
Latest Updates
Government proposal to overhaul the three waters sector
The Minister for Local Government, Nanaia Mahuta, has this week released two Cabinet Papers which set out the Government’s proposed approach to three waters reform. In announcing the proposed reforms, the Minister made it clear that there needs to be change and that the government plans to initiate a “strategic conversation” with local government.
The Future state of the three waters system: regulation and service delivery paper defines the problems facing the sector and sets out the case for change. It looks at three possible options – from regulatory reform with voluntary sector-led reforms through to a system of aggregated publicly owned drinking and wastewater providers. The Local governance for community well-being paper considers the future role of local governance in New Zealand in delivering intergenerational wellbeing for all New Zealanders through regional growth and strengthening the role of communities.
Meanwhile, following recommendations from the Havelock North Drinking Water Inquiry, the Minister of Health David Clark has announced changes to drinking water standards, which he says will help prevent waterborne illnesses. The changes come into effect on 1 March 2019.
The Water New Zealand Modelling Group is currently calling for abstracts for their annual symposium being held at the CQ Hotel in Wellington on 13-14 March 2019.
Water New Zealand is excited to advise we have a new online platform hosting issues of the WATER Journal. This new platform hosts historic editions of the Journal and Newsletter back to 1965 and is fully searchable. You will be required to create a log in to view issues of the Journal, however this will also allow you to receive an email notification when a new journal is issued.
*This is a free platform that you are welcome to circulate to colleagues, friends and anyone you think may be interested.
Industry News
Nationwide test of Emergency Mobile Alert system
Sunday 25 November between 6pm and 7pm
A Nationwide Test of the Emergency Mobile Alert system will take place on Sunday 25 November between 6pm and 7pm.
Annual tests will help ensure the system is working effectively, while helping to familiarise the public with what to expect. This is just a test, but when emergencies happen Emergency Mobile Alert will be a vital channel to help keep our communities safe.
Major infrastructure partnership for North Auckland
Hon Phil Twyford
Minister of Housing and Urban Development Phil Twyford and Auckland Mayor Phil Goff today announced a partnership that will fund $91 million of roading and wastewater infrastructure to support the building of 9000 homes at Wainui, north of Auckland.
Have your say on the Health (Drinking Water) Amendment Bill
25 July - Auckland
Following the Government Inquiry into Havelock North Drinking Water, Cabinet has agreed to a range of measures to address the Inquiry’s recommendations, including some technical amendments to Part 2A of the Health Act.The most significant effect of the bill would be to remove specific timeframes for consultation and reduce the minimum notice period for a change to drinking water standards. This would allow for changes to be developed and implemented in a responsive manner.
Tell the Health Committee what you think
Send your submission on the bill by midnight on Friday 21 December 2018.
We are excited to announce that we will be holding Water New Zealand's 2019 Stormwater Conference at the Grand Millennium in Auckland from 1 – 3 May 2019.
Abstracts are now open and close on 28 November 2018.
Following on from the 2015 and 2017 2 day water loss events, this event is aimed at assisting water suppliers manage water losses from their water supply networks. The programme will cover the calculation of water balances, water loss performance indicators, setting targets, network sectorization and pressure management, active leak detection and monitoring.
A new Crown Entity, ‘To Tatou Vai’ has been established to manage the supply and we are now looking for Water Treatment Technicians to start early in 2019.