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Resolution
number HW/2025/16
MOVED by
Chairperson D Light, seconded by Member M Turinsky:
That the Howick Local Board:
a) tuku / provide feedback to Auckland
Council’s submission on the Local Government (Water Services) Bill. The
Board:
i)
tautoko / support
fully the need for high-quality, sustainable, and affordable water services
for all New Zealanders.
A)
tuhi tīpoka / note
our commitment to supporting environmental sustainability and climate
resilience in the water services framework, urging that the Local Government
(Water Services) Bill incorporates stronger mechanisms to ensure that water
management policies align with climate action goals and environmental
protection, especially in light of increasing urbanisation and climate change
impacts.
B)
advocate for
continued local governance involvement in water services management, ensuring
that local boards retain a clear role in shaping policies and decisions
related to water services that directly affect their communities.
1)
Auckland has
successfully managed its water services through Watercare, and it is crucial
that the Bill allows Auckland Council to continue influencing water service
priorities and decision-making.
2)
moving governance
away from local decision-makers risks creating a disconnect between water
services and Auckland’s specific needs.
3)
tono / request that
ongoing community consultation and engagement be incorporated into the
implementation of the bill, ensuring that local communities have an
opportunity to be heard. Aucklanders must have a voice in how their water is
managed.
4)
the bill should
include clear mechanisms for local representation, ensuring transparency,
accountability, and decision-making that reflects the needs of our
communities.
C)
tono / request that
the Local Government (Water Services) Bill ensures equitable access to water
services for all communities, including provisions for vulnerable and
low-income groups.
D)
tono / request that
ongoing community consultation and engagement be incorporated into the
implementation of the bill, ensuring that local communities have an
opportunity to be heard.
1)
the Board
furthermore urge the Government to provide dedicated funding and policy
support for Auckland’s unique water challenges, particularly in tackling
climate resilience, stormwater management and wastewater management from rapid
population growth.
2)
a national water
reform strategy must guarantee that Auckland gets the investment required to
future-proof its infrastructure, and address current inadequate and aging
infrastructure.
3)
Auckland ratepayers
should not be unfairly burdened with the costs of national water reforms.
E)
tuhi tīpoka / note
the importance of ensuring that any changes in water services regulation
align with local infrastructure needs, particularly in fast-growing areas,
and that development contributions to infrastructure, including water
services, are included as part of planning and development processes.
1)
any redistribution
of funding must be fair, ensuring that local ratepayers are not subsidising
other regions at the expense of much-needed investment in Auckland’s
own infrastructure.
2)
it is essential
that any changes to water service governance do not result in higher costs
for Auckland households and businesses, especially for those already
struggling with the cost of living.
3)
residents should
not face sudden price hikes due to unnecessary restructuring or
administrative inefficiencies.
ii)
tuhi tīpoka / note that
while the Board support efforts to improve water services, central Government
reforms ought to be fair, efficient, and responsive to Auckland’s
needs.
CARRIED
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