Monday, February 10, 2025

Auckland Council adopts water strategy

Auckland Council’s Water Strategy has been adopted by the Environment and Climate Change committee.

Within the strategy, the council commits to considering the protection and enhancement of water as a priority in all relevant decision making.

While it is not a statutory document, it will inform how the council approaches statutory processes, such as Council-Controlled Organisation Statements of Intent, the 10-year Budget, and Asset Management Plans.

Chair of the Environment and Climate Change committee, Councillor Richard Hills says the strategy is designed to guide the council group in relation to its responsibilities and aspirations for water over the next 30 years, with detailed actions outlined in eight strategic shifts.

“The Auckland Water Strategy will be used by council staff and elected members to direct investment and activity across the whole of the council group,” he said.

“It will help us prioritise the wellbeing of our water ecosystems in our decision making and increase efficiency.  it will also empower Aucklanders to be part of the design of water outcomes in their area and enable us to build stronger partnerships with mana whenua.

“Auckland’s recent drought is just one example of the impacts that climate change is already having on our water resources. This isn’t tomorrow’s issue; it is something we need to address and act on now if we want to ensure that all Aucklanders have equitable access to water, both now and in the future.”

Within the Auckland Water Strategy, there are eight ‘strategic shifts’ that will help the council group to deliver better water outcomes over time.

Watercare chief customer officer, Amanda Singleton says the Auckland Water Strategy is a critical step in the ongoing relationship that Tāmaki Makaurau has with water.

“The eight strategic shifts give guidance and direction for all of Auckland as we pull together to create a water future that we’re all proud of. There is no doubt that the targets are challenging and will require everyone to be on board to achieve them,” she said.

“We are committed to being part of this journey to make Auckland a water sensitive city, where everyone treasures their connection with water as the precious resource and taonga that it is.”

For full details visit OurAuckland

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