Three Waters legislation: Wellington Water wants a mayor on committee

12:34 pm on 8 March 2021

Wellington's water leaders want a local mayor to join the government's Three Waters steering committee.

Workers at the site of the burst water main near the TSB Arena, Wellingtion.

Photo: RNZ / Rachel Thomas

The committee was set up to provide oversight and guidance to the government on its plan to overhaul the country's drinking water, wastewater and stormwater services.

The issue was discussed at a Wellington Water meeting last week.

Porirua mayor Anita Baker said the city council's chief executive Wendy Walker was part of the group, but having a mayor at the table would be better.

"It's always good to have a mayor that can actually speak out for the whole region whereas a chief executive can't. The CE can report back whereas the mayor can actually speak for us."

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Porirua mayor Anita Baker Photo: RNZ /Dom Thomas

Baker said it had not yet been decided which mayor would join the group, but that this would probably be decided at the next Wellington Water committee meeting.

She said Walker would bring up the issue at the next steering group meeting, but did not expect it to be difficult to get a local mayor around the table.

Wellington's water infrastructure has come under increased scrutiny recently, as it grapples with historical under-investment in its assets.

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