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Why did the Minister propose that water services funding impact statements should follow the form of existing Local Government Act 2002 funding impact statements rather than developing a purpose-built framework, and what advice, if any, did the Minister receive on the risks of that approach for the Commerce Commission's ring-fencing monitoring role?

Answered Question 29888 (2026)
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Asked by

Tangi Utikere

Member for Palmerston North · Labour Party

Question

  • Why did the Minister propose that water services funding impact statements should follow the form of existing Local Government Act 2002 funding impact statements rather than developing a purpose-built framework, and what advice, if any, did the Minister receive on the risks of that approach for the Commerce Commission's ring-fencing monitoring role?

Answered by

Hon Simon Watts

Member for North Shore · National Party · Minister of Local Government

Answer

The new funding impact statement templates were based on the existing forms used by councils, making it easier for water service providers to transition to the new requirements. I have not received any advice that this approach would raise risks relating to the Commerce Commission's (the Commission) ring-fencing monitoring role. The Commission were consulted throughout the development of the new templates.