Kāpiti Mayor Janet Holborow reflects on the week that was…
Last week was an important one for Council as we approved our consultation about our options for future water management.
This has come about from the new Water Done Right legislation from the current Government. All councils are required to consult with communities and deliver a Water Services Delivery Plan by September. Because of this short time frame, from 10 March until 13 April we’re looking for feedback on two proposals on how we manage water in the future.
The first is to keep things in-house, as they are now, with work required to ring-fence water services and maintain compliance.
The second is that we collaborate with Horowhenua, Manawatū, and Palmerston North Councils to create a jointly owned water services organisation for the area. This would mean a separate entity would run the water across those communities but the four councils would be shareholders and guarantors.
Both options still have the aim to provide safe, clean water with above and underground infrastructure that is equipped for future needs. It’s important to note that the legislation requires us to consult on at least two options.
After extensive analysis and discussions, we decided not to pursue teaming up with the Wellington councils as the immediate and long-term challenges they face are different to ours. Additionally, a separate water entity with Horowhenua wouldn’t have been able to achieve needed economies of scale.
Kāpiti has long made an effort to be proactive with how we operate our water.
Over a decade ago the difficult decision was made to roll out water meters. The short-term result being
drastic reductions in water usage and the long-term impact that we can better plan.
We’ve also made significant investments and critical works to improve water supply and reserves in the District. For example in Ōtaki wastewater pipes are being upgraded and as the new reservoir nears completion our water system will be better equipped in emergencies and with new growth. Also, work on a new water treatment plant in Waikanae is progressing well.
We’re eager to hear how you want to see water operate and can make an online submission on the KCDC website. Information can be found at local libraries and there are pop ups planned in Ōtaki, Raumati, Waikanae, Paraparaumu, and Paekākāriki so as many people can have their voices heard as possible. I encourage everyone to think about the issues and submit as its critical this outcome reflects the community’s beliefs.
On another note, it was great to officially open the new skate park at MacLean Park on Saturday. Congratulations to our council team and contractors on this incredible new asset, which was opened a year and a day after the closure of the old facility.
Also on the weekend was the Ōtaki Kite Festival, which was once again a stand-out event. The festival brings together families and the community for a fantastic day out, and also has wider economic benefits for the area. We are proud to support the festival through our Major Events fund, and look forward to continuing to do so into the future.
