29888 (2026). Tangi Utikere to the Minister of Local Government

29888 (2026). Tangi Utikere to the Minister of Local Government: Why did the Minister propose that water services funding impact statements should follow the form of existing Local Government Act 2002 funding impact statements rather than developing a purpose-built framework, and what advice, if any, did the Minister receive on the risks of that approach for the Commerce Commission's ring-fencing monitoring role?

Hon Simon Watts: The new funding impact statement templates were based on the existing forms used by councils, making it easier for water service providers to transition to the new requirements. I have not received any advice that this approach would raise risks relating to the Commerce Commission's (the Commission) ring-fencing monitoring role. The Commission were consulted throughout the development of the new templates.