The Manawatū District Council will on Thursday discuss approving $2 million for a new water scheme for residents who live near the Ōhakea air force base. But Environment Minister David Parker says it's appropriate some costs of a new water scheme for nearby residents are met by central government. "However, I believe it is responsible and proper that there is a government contribution to help with the water scheme to provide long-term access to clean drinking and stock water for the Ōhakea community." A community contribution incentivises [the council] to be as efficient as possible and also recognises that the new water scheme will provide water treated to a higher standard than the existing private bore water." Ōhakea Water Contamination Committee chairman Andy Russell has said the Government funding announcement was a good start.

Source: Stuff December 17, 2019 23:26 UTC