Water Supply Policy
Protect & Prosper New Zealand believes water is one of our most important public assets. Water policy must protect local ownership, democracy, affordability and long-term infrastructure security.
Our Position on Water Services
PPNZ supports a practical water system that keeps decision-making close to local communities. Councils and ratepayers must have a strong voice in how water assets are managed, funded and protected.
Protect Local Ownership
Water assets should remain under strong local accountability, with councils and ratepayers properly represented.
Respect Local Democracy
Local communities understand their own infrastructure needs. Water decisions should not remove local democratic control.
Reduce Financial Risk
Any water reform must avoid placing excessive debt or future liabilities onto ratepayers without fair safeguards.
Use Expert Planning
Water infrastructure should be planned with engineers, hydrologists, planners and technical specialists.
Fair Funding
Central government should help secure affordable infrastructure funding where councils cannot carry the cost alone.
Practical Infrastructure
Investment should focus on safe drinking water, wastewater, stormwater and essential local infrastructure needs.
Policy Actions
- Repeal the 3 Waters model because it transfers control of major water assets away from councils and ratepayers without fair and adequate compensation.
- Protect water assets as one of the most important assets held on behalf of local communities and ratepayers.
- Reject any reform model that creates excessive financial risk for ratepayers or could leave councils responsible for future debt or failure.
- Ensure water governance remains democratic, transparent and accountable to the public.
- Oppose governance structures where non-elected members can make major decisions without direct public accountability.
- Review the role and impact of Te Mana o te Wai statements to ensure that water governance remains balanced, fair and workable for all New Zealanders.
- Protect local democracy by keeping decision-making close to communities because local people understand local needs best.
- Address water infrastructure needs through a practical national support model that works with councils rather than replacing local control.
- Establish a government-backed water infrastructure management company staffed by water resource engineers, hydrologists, river engineers, coastal engineers, geotechnical engineers, structural engineers and planners.
- Use this expert body to work with councils across New Zealand to identify, fund and deliver specific water, stormwater, wastewater and infrastructure improvements.
Practical Water Reform
PPNZ believes New Zealand needs water reform that protects public ownership, strengthens infrastructure, respects local democracy and uses expert planning. Water services must be safe, reliable and affordable without removing community control.
Support Fair Water Policy
Join PPNZ and support practical water reform that protects ratepayers, councils, local democracy and essential infrastructure.
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