Barbara Ireland is nominated for the Waikanae Community Board – her statement on Three Waters Policy
“Three Waters Policy – Wae Wae Why ???
(Drinking water / Waste water / Storm water)
I have read the 49 page government policy paper which raises a question on the quote: “Twenty years of governments have not addressed the issues raised.”
This history is no excuse for the ongoing non compliance of fixing the many water issues. After all, this government is called Labour – so why not labour fully and get the work done.
Many many documents are available showing the full discussion groups involved in this process. This short comment does not refer to these broader fields of changing the face of government. This is to illustrate that Solutions should weigh as evenly as Paper Printing and Endless Talk.
I have read the 98 page Ministry of Health Annual Drinking Water which is referenced in the above government policy paper. Four standards have to be met at each annual check :
1: Compliance with the Ministry of Health Act – is to have a WSP available (Water Safety Plan)
2: Bacterial Standards
3: Protozoal Standards
4: Chemical Standards
The report shows there are 157 water suppliers. They supply to approximately 557 areas.
Test 1: 96 areas out of 557 failed this first test. [E. & O. E.}
A Possible Solution
Naturally this is a “starting point” for problem solving not the definitive answer. A team to be set up of 5 members from water supply areas that have consistently passed this Ministry of Health requirement (approximately 376).
This team take all their 5 x WSPs and make group visits to small groups in close regional contact of those water supplies who failed the first test. This could maybe eventuate in the 72 being grouped down to a number of 50 via close proximity.
Through discourse and examples and group camaraderie, for the 72 failures – allowing a week per group – one year (excluding public holidays) to bring ALL supplies to 100% compliance with the first Option.
TICK – Job Done.
Tests 2 – 3 – 4 are of a more serious nature: identifying failures of the following.
2 – Bacterial standards; 3 – Protozoal standards; 4 – Chemical standards – some areas are tourist areas – some are schools – some are whole communities.
The listings are clear for all to read, so if you’re planning a trip – check out the annual report and ensure to take bottled water to your destination if needed (for drinking and for teeth cleaning). One particular holiday destination has shown “arsenic” in the drinking water.
A Possible Solution
The same team of 5 members (perhaps) from water supplies that have consistently passed all Ministry standards address and upskill each individual issue of failure with a monthly follow up of compliance for at least one year. Some penalty for non compliance has to be implemented.
TICK – Job Done
The Most Profound Failure of all seems to be the Non Repair of Degrading Water Pipes. Three Waters Proposal focuses on penalties.
“Taumata Arowai has the power to put in place directions and compliance orders to ensure that unacceptable risks to public health are resolved in a timely way. It can also issue infringement fees and prosecute where reckless or wilful behaviour creates risk to public health”.
Should focus be on developing Solutions?
A Possible Solution – A team of 5 camper vans be set up with the words emblazoned “Wai Wai Waka.” Each van to have a team of three men. A total of 15 men to tour the water supplies and be the muscle for the work needed to repair water pipes. Naturally the earth moving equipment and extra labour will be made available to meet demands – specific to the needs of the work.
With 5 vans this would make it possible to split into two or more teams when tackling areas of need that are in sufficiently close proximity to make it feasible to tackle more than one venue.
The 15 men would be fit and strong and maybe even unemployed. They would probably benefit from being of Maori decent – forming strong bonds of brotherhood and accomplishment.
As the Wai Wai Waka formation pass through neighbourhoods – communities would wave and acknowledge their great contribution to maintenance of the land and the water.
My assessment of the Three Waters Policy is that it is an exercise in extending the role of Maori in person and in language to a dire situation that gives no solutions to these problems. This new plan comes into effect in 2025. What is the delay for? The Ministry of Health Annual Reports clearly set out where the problems lay. A read back through the other annual reports over 20 years would make an interesting study in Here are the problems, Where are the solutions?
July 2020 – $761 million set aside to “Get the show on the road for Taumata Arowai” a big budget for which I would like to see the breakdown of the spending. I’ve said enough.”
