Response to the Report of the Havelock North Drinking Water Inquiry

We have noted the recommendation that the Auditor-General be invited to monitor the implementation of the recommendations and initiatives in the Havelock North drinking water inquiry report.

We recognise that water is important to all New Zealanders. That is why we made “water management” the theme for our 2017/18 work programme – the details of which can be found in our Annual Plan for 2017/18. In particular, we identified two areas of focus regarding drinking water, including the security of drinking water supply sources.

We are considering the Havelock North report to determine the implications for this area of focus and on our water management programme more generally.