Representatives of Otago and Southland councils have met in Wanaka to discuss how the Government plans to bring water, wastewater and stormwater systems up to scratch. Gore Mayor Tracy Hicks said it was clear reform was advancing, but councils needed clarity, quickly, about the implications. "But it’s becoming clearer by the hour that reform is here and we need to get involved and understand the implications for our communities." The day had been about presenting information to representatives of local government and receiving questions and feedback. It was expected that some council assets would be transferred to water entities, creating economies of scale.

Source: Otago Daily Times March 17, 2021 15:32 UTC