June 23, 2011
Full consultation promised on meters

Council today moved to assure residents that they will have ample opportunity to have an input into developing a new formula for charging for water.

“We have decided to move to the next phase of the water meters installation process, but I want to assure residents that there will be ample opportunity for them to put their ideas forward,” said Mayor Jenny Rowan.

Council today approved the Terms of Reference for the Charging Regime Advisory Group (CRAG) to be chaired by former State Services Commissioner Don Hunn.

Other members will include one from Grey Power (in discussion with the Council of Elders), two familiar with the concerns of community interests and low income households, one from the Chamber of Commerce, one representing landlord interests, two from Council, three from iwi, and one with financial skills.

Council Chief Executive Pat Dougherty and Don Hunn are charged with identifying the latter. The others will be nominated by the respective interest groups. The nominations will be brought back to Council on July 14 for consideration and appointment.

“We are very keen to set up a broad-based team to ensure all points of view are taken into account as we move forward on this issue,” said Mayor Jenny Rowan.

“We know there is considerable interest in the community (so) there will be an opportunity for community input into the CRAG development of the charging formula during 2011/12.

“Consideration and approval of the charging formula and approach will also be included in the 2012 Long Term Plan special consultative procedure, thus providing another formal opportunity for input from residents.”

Council also wants a communications plan drawn up to ensure residents are fully informed on why Council is planning to move from a universal charge for water to one based on volumes and what steps it has taken to ensure the control of the water supply remains with Council.

“Although we have taken a decision to support water meters in principle, we are adamant that the control of water remains with Council. With this in mind, we have taken a number of steps to put significant barriers in the way of the community losing direct control of water services. These barriers will include the need for full public consultation.”

The amendment to the Water Management Section of the 2009 Revenue and Financing Policy approved by Council today made clear that water meters would form an integral part of Council’s water supply and conservation package.

Other key elements included phase 1 of the Waikanae river-recharge scheme currently underway, and the on-going move to buy land for a future storage dam behind the Nikau Valley.

ENDS

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