'3 waters', three problems: cost, timetable and Auckland

'3 waters', three problems: cost, timetable and Auckland
A huge catch-up is required for the country's water infrastructure (Source: Getty Images)
Pattrick Smellie
Both the cost and timing on the government’s ‘three waters’ reform plan are blowing out, with total costs now estimated to be as high as $185 billion over the next 30 years and no sign of cabinet decisions on proposed amalgamation of the country’s 67 water entities.The new figures, released today, also drew the strongest indication yet that Auckland Council may not go along with the proposals, creating the potential for other councils to walk away from the process.The latest cost estimate is included in a swag of new ana...

More Policy

Andrew Bayly: striver comes a cropper
Policy

Pattrick Smellie: Andrew Bayly: striver comes a cropper

Andrew Bayly did good work, but seems to have reached his use-by date.

Pattrick Smellie 24 Feb 2025
Officials MIA on banking competition, say critics
Finance

Officials MIA on banking competition, say critics

Over-regulation of the banking sector is blamed for stifling competition.

Pattrick Smellie 20 Feb 2025
Mark Dunphy's Greymouth Petroleum comes out swinging
Policy

Mark Dunphy's Greymouth Petroleum comes out swinging

Malaysian oil company Tamarind should be "exited from NZ".

Pattrick Smellie 17 Feb 2025
Kinleith paper operations to close, loss of 230 jobs
Primary Sector

Kinleith paper operations to close, loss of 230 jobs

Minister Shane Jones says the closure is evidence of de-industrialisation.