20047 (2026). Lan Pham to the Minister of Local Government

20047 (2026). Lan Pham to the Minister of Local Government: Why was advice from the 'National Public Health Service, Health New Zealand' against a 35-year default consent length for wastewater treatment plant discharges, as noted in Appendix 1 of their 22 April 2025 letter to Taumata Arowai (released by the Ministers office via OIA), not followed through with in the final wastewater environmental performance standards?

Hon Simon Watts: It was determined the wastewater environmental performance standards should be consistent with section 123(1)(aa) of the Resource Management Act 1991, which specifies a 35-year consent period where wastewater standards are met. The water services legislation provides for a 35-year consent period to recognise the significant investment required to upgrade or renew wastewater infrastructure, allow the investment to reflect intergenerational benefits, and be affordable. The 35-year consent duration is consistent with that provided for other long-lived infrastructure, such as renewable energy-related consents.