An independent Crown-appointed review will investigate the failure of Wellington’s Moa Point sewage treatment plant, with Local Government Minister Simon Watts describing the incident as unacceptable given its impact on communities, the environment and the local economy.
The review follows discussions between the Government and Wellington Mayor Andrew Little, with officials agreeing a transparent investigation is needed to determine what caused the failure and how similar incidents can be prevented in future.
The review team will be made up of independent senior figures from across the water services sector, bringing expertise in engineering, governance, commercial operations and law. Because Wellington City Council owns the Moa Point facility while Wellington Water Ltd operates it, the team will be appointed to both organisations to ensure it has full authority to investigate the failure and report its findings.
The review will also provide practical recommendations, including specific actions for Wellington City Council if required. The investigation comes as responsibility for Wellington’s regional water services is set to shift from Wellington Water to the new council-controlled organisation, Tiaki Wai Ltd, under the Government’s Local Water Done Well reforms. Watts said timely findings are essential ahead of the transfer of assets, including the Moa Point plant, adding that stronger investment and oversight of water infrastructure is critical to ensure ratepayer funding is used effectively and essential services remain reliable.
Tiaki why with governance partnership from mana whenua: Ngāti Toa Rangatira and Taranaki Whānui ki Te Upoko o Te Ika
Must have been a tough committee meeting trying to figure out if they needed a “review” or an “enquiry”.
As it’s obvious they’re going to need expert engineers to come in and fix their broken system, why not just go straight to the remedial work and drop the bullshit “review”?
Its called “duck shoving”
Hopefully then it will all go away
Close Your eyes
Its white wash time, as per usual at the tax/rate payers expense.
Mississippi 2 step.