Govt to steamroll three waters reforms

Govt to steamroll three waters reforms
Local government minister Nanaia Mahuta is staring down noisy opposition to water infrastructure reforms. (Image: Getty)
Pattrick Smellie
The government will legislate to force local governments to tip their drinking, waste and stormwater assets into four, new national bodies to govern the so-called ‘three waters’ after failing to get local government agreement to the plan.As recently as July, government ministers were still hoping to convince most of the country’s 67 local bodies to sign up voluntarily to the amalgamation proposal, but opposition hardened despite a $2.5 billion package of central government funding to help fix ageing water infrastructure that i...

More Policy

Govt announces first three 'regional deal' contenders
Policy

Govt announces first three 'regional deal' contenders

Ministers want regions to consider 'asset recycling', among other funding tools.

‘Bluewater backbone’: Lyttelton, Auckland ports plan $1b+ of upgrades
Policy

‘Bluewater backbone’: Lyttelton, Auckland ports plan $1b+ of upgrades

Two of the biggest NZ ports are raising prices as they plan major investments.

'There are some firms in NZ I won’t touch'
Policy

'There are some firms in NZ I won’t touch'

Adam Feeley on the reluctance to call out poor performers in NZ infrastructure sector.

Oliver Lewis 30 Jun 2025
Govt mandates high-rise zoning around key CRL stations
Policy

Govt mandates high-rise zoning around key CRL stations

Auckland Council will need to provide for building heights of at least 10-15 storeys.

Oliver Lewis 25 Jun 2025