Media Release 
For immediate release 
2 July 2021 

Early days with Three Waters Reform 

More data and community input is required prior to the Kawerau District Council making any decisions about the Three Waters Reform. 
Kawerau District Council is waiting for more information and time to think about what the reforms would mean for Kawerau ratepayers and to ask its community whether it was happy to opt out of the scheme.
Kawerau Mayor Malcolm Campbell said, “The first priority is to get all the information and facts and see how this will impact on our district. Then we can talk to our community and Iwi and see what they want.” 
During the recent Long Term Plan 2021-2031 consultation process, Council heard clear support from the community to retain and independently manage its Three Waters infrastructure. 
One of the proposals in Kawerau District’s Long Term Plan 2021-2031 is to replace 48km of the old drinking water pipes over the next six years. 
Council currently has no debt, but to fast track the replacement project, it will borrow $12 million to complete the project. With a long-term loan of 90 years, this will ensure those who benefit from the asset now and into the future will contribute.   
In other areas of Three Waters, Kawerau District Council has maintenance and upgrades scheduled for both wastewater and stormwater infrastructure assets. This includes renewals of some components of the wastewater plant, which is 10 years old. The Council also plans to replace the stormwater and wastewater pipes using a programmed approach during the next decade. 
Having recently completed the consultation process for the Long Term Plan 2021-2031, Council has made an undertaking to consult with the community and Iwi as the Three Waters Reform process continues.
“Once we have all the facts we will consult with the community and Iwi to see what they want us to do.”

[ENDS] 

For more information, please contact Tania Humberstone, Communications Manager, Kawerau District Council 027 464 3785.