43549 (2025). Tangi Utikere to the Minister of Local Government

43549 (2025). Tangi Utikere to the Minister of Local Government: What aspects of the Gisborne District Council’s Water Service Delivery plan raised concerns that the council’s plan to go-it-alone may not be satisfactory and what additional information, if any, have officials requested?

Hon Simon Watts: I am advised that the Department of Internal Affairs (the Department) sent a letter to Gisborne District Council (Council) noting the Council’s decision to pursue a standalone model would likely face barriers to achieving financial sustainability over the 10-year period of the water services delivery plan. This assessment was based on the review of the Council’s most recent long-term plan. I refer the member to my reply to written parliamentary question 43547 (2025)