Running down the clock on three waters

Running down the clock on three waters
An uneasy meeting of minds? Nanaia Mahuta and Wayne Brown discussing three waters reform last month. (Image: NZME)
Pattrick Smellie
For as long as the government has been pursuing its three waters reforms, there has been confident speculation that it would end up either abandoning or radically softening the policy. Yet, at every potential turning point – until this week – the government has dug in. Local government minister Nanaia Mahuta has appeared largely impervious to the many sources of opposition that have coalesced to make the worthy goal of upgrading New Zealand’s creaky water infrastructure one of the biggest political headaches the gove...

More Infrastructure

Auckland housing project withdrawn from fast-track
Policy

Auckland housing project withdrawn from fast-track

The developer plans to lodge a fresh application after draft decline.

150 years of infrastructure spending going ‘boom’
Infrastructure

150 years of infrastructure spending going ‘boom’

We actually spend a lot more on infrastructure than you might think.

Construction suicide costs at $1.3 billion
Infrastructure

Construction suicide costs at $1.3 billion

A survey found that almost one in five workers reported suicidal thoughts.

Chido Machingura 12 Sep 2025
F&P Healthcare one step closer to new Karaka campus
Policy

F&P Healthcare one step closer to new Karaka campus

Auckland Council has approved a request to rezone nearly 90ha going to hearings.

Oliver Lewis 12 Sep 2025