Media Release 
For Immediate Release 
16 July 2021 

Kawerau to carefully consider Three Waters Reform $2.5b package announcement at the LGNZ conference 

The $2.5 billion Three Waters Reform package for Councils announced by Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern at the LGNZ yesterday highlights the need for Kawerau District Council to seek more facts and feedback from the community before making decisions.  

Kawerau District Council Deputy Mayor Faylene Tunui is at the LGNZ conference with Chief Executive Russell George who said, “We will be looking closely at the package announced yesterday to see the implications for our community.” 

The government announcement said the $2.5 billion package seeks to ensure no council is worse off and every community is better off after reform. 

Russell George said, “While the proposal looks out for the sector’s national interests, Kawerau District Council’s mandate comes from our community.”

“We need to consider the pros and cons of having the community’s Three Waters assets as part of one of the new four regional entities or retaining the status quo where we maintain the control of our assets locally.”

The government’s timeframe has changed although LGNZ believes Councils will still have the opportunity to work through the proposal and information provided, to carry out the test to ascertain whether they would be worse off/better off with the proposition underpinning the financial support package.  

The package would see Kawerau receive $17,270,505 in exchange for its Three Waters assets from the $2.5 billion package based on population, deprivation and geographic size.

“After the eight-week period, the Government will consider next steps, including the process and revised timing for decision-making, which includes the time required for community consultation which we are wanting to carry out,” Russell said. 

Kawerau stands by their stance during the recent Long Term Plan 2021-2031 community engagement programme where it said it would consult with the community about the implications and decision making with the Three Waters Reform. 

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