Councillor Shirley Hull said the Three Waters proposal was a "major issue" for the district. Photo / File
Councillor Shirley Hull said the Three Waters proposal was a "major issue" for the district. Photo / File
Tararua District Council is yet to take a stance on Three Waters, citing "marginal" accuracy and "assumptions" of the economic figures provided.
In a report given to councillors last week it was recommended that the council-endorsed questions and concerns be submitted to the Department of Internal Affairs and Local GovernmentNew Zealand.
Group manager of infrastructure Chris Chapman told the meeting that the economic modelling and predicted efficiency savings and any future cost estimates driving the proposal were based on significant high level assumptions.
"Our confidence in the accuracy of those figures is marginal at best."
The Three Waters reform proposes to create four independent regional water services entities, to be owned by local authorities.
Chapman said it was acknowledged that the current model for water services was not an option.
"The regulatory environment in which Three Waters sits is changing and we face, as a council and a community, significant challenges with meeting increased requirements and expectations with balancing ratepayer affordability."
He said a significant investment in the Three Waters infrastructure would be required.
"But we believe that those investment requirements will be far more than what we've currently allowed for."
He told councillors that council was not expected to make a decision whether to opt in or out until December, although there had been misinformation which suggested it had to be by the end of September.
Tararua District Council still has questions and concerns on the Three Waters Reform.
"There's nothing to gain by making an early stand on whether to opt in or opt out.
"We expect to be able to release information regarding the proposed model, including changes following the review of the significant feedback they will get from the sector, of which there will be a lot."
He said council should utilise the time between now and December to understand the further development and changes to the model, as well as engage with the community to get their feedback.
Councillors asked for clarification so that they could go back to their communities to help them understand what the regulatory requirements were and the implications of such.
Councillor Shirley Hull said people would be worried about the level of democracy.
"We're all looking at the centralisation of and changes in the health sector. The disbandment of the DHBs, the centralisation of the water.
"I think those things are putting our families, our whanau, on the edges of our seats around the potential centralisation of a lot of things which means a loss of voice around our community.
"I think that is the major issue."
Hull acknowledged ratepayers were going to get a bigger bill and had no qualms about that.
"Who can you actually shoulder tap and talk to about your water?
"Who is actually handling your water and how do you get to those people when you've got an issue with your water?
"Those are the things that people around town are actually asking questions about."
CEO Bryan Nicholson said the concerns were similar to those from other councils.
"I just want to make it clear in terms of these questions that we are asking the government, it doesn't mean necessarily that we would make the recommendation to the council that we're now absolutely for opting in.
"While we're gathering all this information, it still may be that you decide to opt out.
"Because that's the level of satisfaction that you will need to achieve with the community regardless of how they're asking these questions."
