The government is pushing forward with massive reforms to water infrastructure which will see three to five specialised water entities taking over control and responsibility for drinking and waste water from 67 local authorities. Cabinet signed off on the reform programme last week.
All 67 local authorities have signed a memorandum of understanding with central government, in return for stimulus funding to participate in good faith in the process. Councils would have to opt out of the reform programme which is likely to see an investment of billions of dollars of central government funding into upgrades of drinking water and waste water infrastructure. Kathryn speaks with Stuart Crosby is the President of Local Government New Zealand, which represents all local authorities.
Photo: RNZ / Rachel Thomas
