Thomas Cranmer: Three Waters, Taumata Arowai and the scantly diluted powers of Minister Mahuta’s sister

New Zealand’s new water services regulator is Taumata Arowai.  Its website says this name was “gifted” to it (or bestowed on it?) by Nanaia Mahuta, Minister of Local Government.

Taumata Arowai  was formed with local government support but its role in the Three Waters reforms is more controversial.  Moreover, it has been politicised by the appointment of the Minister’s sister, Tipa Mahuta, as chair of the agency’s Māori advisory group and the powers she will wield. 

This article is the second in a series by Thomas Cranmer, the pseudonym adopted by a legal analyst who has been carefully dissecting the Three Waters legislation.  He writes: 

 

Three Waters and Taumata Arowai

My article on Monday considered the role and scope of Te Mana o te Wai statements within the Three Waters reforms.

In a tweet, the Mayor of Kaipara, Dr Smith commented that this mechanism is linked to Taumata Arowai – the new national water-drinking regulator – and indeed it is.

Dr Jason Smith, Kaipara Mayor @drjakesmith

I think it’s really deceptive for the definition of who can and can’t contribute to Te Mana o Te Wai Statements to be buried deep at section 140 of the proposed Bill. I told this to the Select Committee. It should be with all other TMOTW info. This links w Taumata Arowai also.

Thomas Cranmer @kehetauhauaga

My thoughts on Three Waters and the Te Mana o te Wai mechanism that lies deep in the Water Services Entities Bill.https://t.co/HfQmvhd686

September 25th 2022

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There seems to be a common misconception that the role of Taumata Arowai is solely to regulate and improve drinking-water quality and provide oversight of wastewater and stormwater.