The government has accepted 45 of the three waters working group's 47 recommendations for changes to its water infrastructure reform programme, with minor changes. The reforms would move responsibility for the management of drinking, waste and stormwater from 67 local councils to four large, specialised water management organisations. "At the heart of councils' concerns have been the issues of ownership and voice ... we have listened to these concerns and modified our proposals accordingly." Today I'm pleased to announce that Cabinet has listened to the advice of the working group and accepted the majority of the working group's recommendations in full." In response, the government set up a working group composed of mayors, Māori representatives, and an independent chair.

Source: New Zealand Herald April 28, 2022 23:34 UTC