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James Palmer introduced the item,
highlighting that this is the culmination of more than two years of work regionally
in anticipation of Central Government reform. Three waters service delivery
is function of TAs, however the regional council chose to participate in the
review in light of its regulatory responsibilities for the performance of the
assets and infrastructure.
Toni Goodlass acknowledged the significant
contribution to the process by Pieri Munro, who led the tangata whenua
engagement process.
The substantive decision sought is
agreement to support the continuing collaboration with all the region’s
councils on the engagement with and implementation of the Central Government
three waters service delivery reform programme.
In response to a query in relation to
Napier City Council’s position and/or support and participation in
continued collaboration, Toni Goodlass advised that NCC has signed the
memorandum of agreement with Central Government and challenges around perceived
funding inequities and cross subsidisation are being discussed with the
Department of Internal Affairs.
In response to a query about residual
assets after the transfer of three waters infrastructure to the centralised
entity, Toni Goodlass advised there are specific pieces of work that will
need to be undertaken and referenced the “impact on Councils”
section in the report.
Proposed governance model will require
legislative reform prior to implementation and consideration given to
community representation and democratic decision making.
In order for the model to work for the
region the key Hastings and Napier councils must participate.
Region can either rise to the challenge
and engage to influence the outcomes of the reform or wait for Central
Government to dictate how services will be funded and delivered, and by whom.
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