Three waters reforms under fire from the auditor general

Three waters reforms under fire from the auditor general
The argument over water infrastructure reform is becoming intense. (Image: Getty)
Pattrick Smellie
A scathing submission from the auditor general John Ryan heaps yet more pressure on the government’s three waters reform agenda.Published today, the submission on the Water Entities Bill to form four regional “water services entities” (WSE) from the water infrastructure currently owned by New Zealand’s 67 local councils suggests that public scrutiny of the new organisations will be far weaker than is possible at present.“I am concerned that, as currently drafted in the bill, the accountability arrangements and pote...

More Policy

First look at NZICC, and SkyCity's hopes for $70m fund
Economy

First look at NZICC, and SkyCity's hopes for $70m fund

SkyCity's COO says a new govt fund should help fill empty hotel rooms across Auckland.

Real estate industry wants AML levy exemption
Finance

Real estate industry wants AML levy exemption

The real estate industry is warning an AML levy will drive up costs in the sector.

Craigs' sweet spot for golden visa investors
Finance

Craigs' sweet spot for golden visa investors

Billionaires can go solo. For other wealthy investors, there's Craigs' new fund.

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