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Say It Napier
After reform to water service delivery was pursued under the previous government between 2020 and 2023, the 2023 coalition government announced a new direction for water services on 14 December 2023. This page summarises what that means for Napier City Council.
Councils’ ability to provide quality water services that meet the growing demands of their communities is under significant pressure. The challenges facing councils include:
Awareness of the challenges has been increasing for many years but was emphasised by the 2016 Havelock North water contamination incident.
Between 2018 and 2023, the then Labour government launched and developed the ‘Three Waters Reform Programme’ (later the ‘Water Services Reforms’). This would have seen waters services, currently delivered by 67 different councils across Aotearoa, brought under 10 regional entities owned by local councils on behalf of the public. Napier City Council began preparation for the transition to Tairāwhiti/Hawke’s Bay ‘Entity F’ in 2022 and 2023.
Following the 2023 General Election, the new coalition government is unwinding progress made towards the 10-entity model. Instead, National’s Local Water Done Well policy will be implemented, including:
Regardless of the post-election shift, the reasons for moving to a new operating model still exist. Affordability challenges are getting more critical as the response and recovery costs incurred following Cyclone Gabrielle have pushed Hawke’s Bay councils closer towards the maximum amount of money they can borrow.
Hawke’s Bay councils are currently revisiting the regional model scoped in 2019/2020. This review identified that coming together to create an asset-owning Council Controlled Organisation (CCO) would be the best way to meet the challenges faced by individual councils. Councils are taking another look at these findings to assess whether a CCO is still the best option for Hawke’s Bay communities given three years have passed and following Cyclone Gabrielle.
Until decisions are made about next steps, Napier City Council will continue to provide drinking water, wastewater and stormwater services to our residents.
New water service delivery models approved by Cabinet.
Cabinet commitment to replace Labour’s Three Waters policy with it’s own Local Water Done Well policy.
The government signals its intention to repeal Labour’s Three Waters legislation within its first 100 days in office.
The 2023 General Election sees a change of Government with collation arrangements entered between the National Party, ACT and NZ First.
Napier City Council submits on the Water Services Entities Amendment Bill.
The Government announces a reset plan for the Three Waters Reform programme, now named Water Services Reform. The number of entities increases from four to ten, and the timeframe for establishment is extended to between 1 July 2024 and 1 July 2026.
Cyclone Gabrielle.
Napier City Council receives $6.4M “Better Off Funding”.
Water Services Economic Efficiency and Consumer Protection Bill and Water Services Legislation Bill introduced to the House.
Water Services Entities Act passes into law, setting up the four entities.
Submissions on the Water Services Entities Bill close. Napier City Council submits.
Taumata Arowai becomes the water services regulator.
Napier City Council joins Communities4LocalDemocracy.
The Government announces council participation in the reforms will be compulsory.
Napier City Council provides feedback to the Government on reform proposals, incorporating the findings of a community survey.
The four-entity model for Three Waters reforms is announced.
The Government announces an independent review of local government.
Taumata Arowai established as a crown entity.
Napier City Council signs a Memorandum of Understanding with the Government, committing to engage with reform proposals and unlocking $12.51M stimulus funding.
The final report from the Hawke’s Bay review is published, recommending an asset owning council controlled organisation.
The Government announces a $761M funding package to improve national water infrastructure.
Hawke’s Bay councils begin a review of current and potential three waters service delivery options for Hawke’s Bay, aided by $1.55M of Government funding.
Government announces intention to establish a new water regulator. Prior to this, responsibility for standards, compliance monitoring and enforcement was split between several agencies and local entities.
The then-National Government proposes a review of three waters services to assess whether the delivery model is fit-for-purpose.
A Government Inquiry into the Havelock North contamination releases its final report, recommending changes to improve the safety of drinking water in New Zealand.
Havelock North drinking water supply contamination incident.
215 Hastings Street Napier 4110
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