Three Waters Reform

The Three Waters Reform Programme was launched in July 2020.

The Government proposes establishing four entities to take responsibility for drinking water, wastewater and stormwater infrastructure currently owned and managed by 67 councils across New Zealand.

The Government also established Taumata Arowai, which will become the country's drinking water regulator, when the Water Services Bill that is currently before Parliament is passed.

It is proposed that the Rotorua district would be part of 'Entity B', along with 21 other local authorities from south of Auckland, Waikato, Bay of Plenty, Taranaki and Whanganui, representing a total population base of about 800,000.

Rotorua Lakes Council has participated in various workshops, working groups and engagements relating to the programme to better understand what is being proposed and to ensure a local presence and voice “at the table”.

Rotorua Lakes Council submitted a preliminary position to the Government last year.

While broadly agreeing with the drivers for change, the council saw fundamental gaps in the proposal which it said would need to be addressed to strengthen the proposal and uphold the underlying core intentions of the reforms.

Last year the Council also agreed to establish a joint committee with mana whenua to consider the reforms and provide advice and recommendations to the council and Te Arawa.

Following concern expressed by councils last year, the Government established a working group which considered these concerns and recommended how these could be addressed. The Government responded earlier this year, adopting

On 30 June 2022 the Council reviewed its preliminary position with elected members agreeing they do not support the proposal as it currently stands and agreeing on a number of issues central to their position, which will be submitted to Government.

Information about the Three Waters Reform programme

Find out more information about the proposed reform HERE on the Department of Internal Affairs website.

How do I have a say on what’s proposed?

You can have your say on the Water Entities Bill currently going through the Parliamentary process by making a submission to the Select Committee. The Bill covers proposed ownership, governance and accountability arrangements for the four proposed three waters entities.

Read the Water Entities Bill HERE

Go HERE to find out how to have your say