Official Information Request - Three Waters Position

Sent: Tuesday, 7 September 2021 11:46 am
Subject: LGOIMA request – Three Waters Position

I refer to your LGOIMA request of 20 August 2021 and respond below as per your email:

We request a copy of the Council’s “Significance and engagement policy” as required by s 76AA of the Local Government Act 2002.

Attached

We also request information that answers the following questions:

1. Has your council, or Mayor, taken a position (even if just ‘in principle’) for or against opting into the government’s proposed three waters reforms?
In an elected member forum in March this year, Council agreed to continue to be actively involved in the Three Waters process and engage with the Government/DIA while a proposal from Government is developed. Council also agreed to work on a set of principles that would set the Council’s/District future position.
Council subsequently set up a Three Waters Co-Governance Committee (a committee of council and iwi). This committee will traverse the challenges and impacts for Council/District before making recommendations to Council concerning the Three Waters Reform.
Refer to attached minutes of Council meeting held 5 July 2021.

2. Have you made a determination under your Significance and Engagement Policy?
No - there is no statement of proposal yet.

a.If so, what is that position, how was it come to, by whom, and on what date?* (
No determination under the Significance and Engagement Policy. Refer to No.1.

b. What is the timeline for engagement under this determination?**
N/A

c. If not, what is the anticipated timeline to make that determination?
This will be depend on the Government’s Bill proposal.

You have the right to seek an investigation and review by the Ombudsman of this decision. Information about how to make a complaint is available at www.ombudsman.parliament.nz or freephone 0800 802 602.

Publication of responses to LGOIMA requests

Please note: Our LGOIMA responses may be published on the Rotorua Lakes Council website after they have been responded to, with requesters’ personal details withheld. If you have any concerns about this please contact the Council on info@rotorualc.nz .

Regards