Piri-Hira Tukapua: Clean water our most vital resource

Piri-Hira Tukapua

In March this year, I was appointed to Local Government New Zealand's new policy group to advise on the big issues facing communities nationwide. We've had two meetings to date and the most interesting topic for me has been Water 2050.

New Zealand has a lot of lakes, rivers, streams and ground water but how much of it is good enough to drink or swim in? What are your expectations for water quality and quantity? And how will councils manage this in to the future?

I'm pleased to report that the Horowhenua District is going from good to great in the water supply space due to the leadership and work that has been done over the last four years. Do you remember the Campbell Live story about Tokomaru water in August 2013?

- "First world country, third world water"? It was one of many things that motivated me to stand for council.

Council's response to Tokomaru back then was that they'd have to wait about 12 years before their water would be fixed. The proposed options at the time included a $3m job, which was simply unaffordable for a community that size.

So it was a great day when council's new infrastructure manager, with a new attitude and skills to boot, presented a solution that was only 10 per cent of that price.

This $3m to $300k example proves that practical solutions are possible with excellent engineers and innovation. Tokomaru, Shannon and Levin now have A Grade water and Foxton is currently undergoing its upgrades.

Other water-related issues I have and will be advocating for over the next few years include:
- against fluoridation of the water supply;
- Lake Horowhenua, particularly the urban stormwater from the Queen Street drain;
- expectations of returns from bottled water exporting.

My view is that water is not a luxury item but rather a necessity for all life to function. The average human body is 60 per cent water and needs regular hydration. Water is for cooking, cleaning, washing, showering, swimming, growing food, flowers and more. Our biggest industries in New Zealand rely on water for production.

Water is considered liquid gold in some countries so it's critical that we determine what we want for our country in the future and then act on it - Water 2050.