Councillor “in the dark” on Watercare reform

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Watercare’s lead councillor Ken Turner says his questions around water reform have not been answered to his satisfaction and he has been left with uncertainty around the issues.

At the Council Controlled Organisation Oversight and Delivery committee on May 11, Cr Turner said he was struggling to get clear answers around the newly named ‘Affordable Water’ policy – formerly ‘Three Waters’ reform.

“I am completely in the dark about how much we are getting paid for Watercare, how much debt is actually being taken over, what time frame that all falls in and I think that is a huge issue,” Cr Turner said. He said he raised the issue with Watercare but is still unclear about any details.

Cr Turner said Watercare seemed uncertain whether Auckland’s water assets could be sold, and he wants greater certainty about that issue.

“The lease agreement between Auckland Council and Watercare is for 99 years. It was signed in 1992, it goes to 2092. These are the variables,” he said.

Cr John Watson asked the committee chair, Cr Wayne Walker for a follow up on the issues Cr Turner raised to get some clarity.

“We should be taking any asset-based calculations into account now, rather than when it’s too late,” Cr Watson said. “We should certainly be proceeding on the basis that it will go ahead. That is a safer starting point than just waiting to see what happens and then it’s all too late.”

Cr Watson was also concerned that the transition was having a negative effect on Watercare employees.

Cr Turner confirmed that employees were anxious amidst rumours that they might have to reapply for their jobs.

“It is all up in the air and that does not help productivity,” Cr Turner said.

Chair, Cr Wayne Walker, said the committee may need to receive reporting about the issues around the reform more regularly.

Mayor Wayne Brown said council needs a strong understanding of the issue.

“Watercare may not even be ours by the end of the year but, then again, there is an election coming which might change it as well,” Mayor Brown said.