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Heads of Agreement Three Waters: A Comprehensive Guide

The Three Waters reform in New Zealand aims to improve the management and delivery of drinking water, wastewater, and stormwater services. It`s a significant undertaking that will require close collaboration between the government and local authorities to achieve success. One of the ways this collaboration is being facilitated is through the Heads of Agreement Three Waters.

What is the Heads of Agreement Three Waters?

The Heads of Agreement Three Waters is a draft agreement that outlines the key principles, objectives, and actions required to achieve the Three Waters reform. It`s not a legally binding document, but it provides a framework for negotiations between central and local government.

The Heads of Agreement has been developed in response to growing concerns about the state of New Zealand`s drinking water, wastewater, and stormwater networks. The current system is fragmented, with over 60 different water authorities responsible for providing these services. The Three Waters reform aims to address these issues by consolidating these services into larger entities that can manage them more effectively and efficiently.

What are the Key Principles of the Heads of Agreement Three Waters?

The Heads of Agreement Three Waters is based on six key principles:

1. Improved Outcomes: The reform aims to deliver improved outcomes for communities, including better water quality, environmental protection, and more resilient infrastructure.

2. Partnership: The reform requires active engagement and partnership between the government and local authorities.

3. Community Voice: The reform recognizes the importance of engaging with communities and stakeholders to ensure that their needs and concerns are taken into account.

4. Economic Sustainability: The reform aims to achieve cost-effective and efficient service delivery that is financially sustainable over the long term.

5. Equity: The reform aims to ensure that all communities have access to safe and reliable drinking water, wastewater, and stormwater services, regardless of their location or socio-economic status.

6. Cultural Responsiveness: The reform recognizes the importance of Māori values and perspectives in the management and delivery of Three Waters services.

What are the Objectives of the Heads of Agreement Three Waters?

The Heads of Agreement Three Waters sets out three primary objectives:

1. Establishing Four Water entities: The reform aims to create four large-scale water entities that will be responsible for providing Three Waters services. These entities will be established through a process of voluntary amalgamation, rather than being forced upon local authorities.

2. Ensuring Improved Service Delivery: The reform aims to deliver more efficient and effective service delivery, with improved water quality, better environmental outcomes, and more resilient infrastructure.

3. Delivering Financial Sustainability: The reform aims to achieve financially sustainable service delivery over the long term, with transparent pricing and revenue models that support investment in infrastructure.

What are the Actions Required to Achieve the Objectives of the Heads of Agreement Three Waters?

The Heads of Agreement Three Waters sets out a range of actions required to achieve the reform`s objectives. These include:

1. Undertaking Due Diligence: Before any amalgamation can occur, there will need to be a thorough due diligence process to assess the suitability and viability of potential water entities.

2. Developing a Transition Plan: A detailed transition plan will be required to manage the process of amalgamation and ensure that service delivery is not disrupted.

3. Establishing Governance Structures: Clear governance structures will need to be established for the new water entities, with appropriate representation from local authorities, central government, and communities.

4. Investing in Infrastructure: Significant investment in Three Waters infrastructure will be required to address current deficiencies and ensure that service delivery is sustainable over the long term.

Conclusion

The Heads of Agreement Three Waters represents a crucial first step in the Three Waters reform process. It provides a framework for collaboration between the government and local authorities and sets out a clear vision for improved service delivery. However, there are still many challenges ahead, including the need for significant investment in infrastructure, effective community engagement, and navigating the complex legal and regulatory environment. If successful, the Three Waters reform has the potential to deliver significant benefits for communities throughout New Zealand.