Compromise emerges on three waters reforms

Compromise emerges on three waters reforms
Auckland mayor Phil Goff is still a holdout on proposed water infrastructure reforms. (Image: Getty)
Pattrick Smellie
A compromise solution allowing the government to implement its troubled “three waters” reforms proposals is emerging.Recommendations from a multi-party working group led by long-time public policy consultant Doug Martin propose to give councils shares in the proposed four new water infrastructure entities that local government minister Nanaia Mahuta has proposed.The shares would be in proportion to the population in each council area, seeking in effect to de-fang the claim by opponents of the original policy that it would amount to...

More Policy

MoT to gauge market interest in toll road concessions
Policy

MoT to gauge market interest in toll road concessions

Investment bank Citi will assist the ministry. Transurban has already signalled interest.

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.

Oliver Lewis 02 Jul 2025
‘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.

Oliver Lewis 02 Jul 2025
'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