1099 (2024). Hon Dr Duncan Webb to the Minister of Local Government

1099 (2024). Hon Dr Duncan Webb to the Minister of Local Government: Will the "regulatory backstop" be able to be used to force larger councils like Christchurch City to provide water services at affordable prices to smaller councils like Hurunui or Buller if those smaller councils are unable to otherwise provide their ratepayers with affordable effective water services?

Hon Simeon Brown: The Government is working to ensure that councils across New Zealand have plans in place to manage their water infrastructure in an effective, efficient, and financially sustainable way. Work is underway to design an appropriate suite of regulatory tools and Ministerial powers (‘regulatory backstops’) to ensure councils have the incentives and support needed to develop and implement these plans. I anticipate being able to provide further details as decisions are made.