43554 (2025). Tangi Utikere to the Minister of Local Government

43554 (2025). Tangi Utikere to the Minister of Local Government: What aspects of the Kawerau 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 sent a letter to Kawerau District Council (Council) noting its decisions to pursue a standalone model, and the implications of this decision on the financial sustainability of water services. Through analysis of Council’s long-term plan, the Department had concerns that the Council could face some barriers to achieving financial sustainability through a standalone model. I refer the member to my reply to written parliamentary question 43547 (2025).