IAWAI Water Services Strategy

As someone who lives in the area where the new water treatment plant is proposed to go, I feel saddened by the lack of open communication and consultation between Hamilton City Council and residents of the area from earlier on in the development of this project. Why were we not consulted on the potential location of the plant? Why is the proposed location so close to existing housing, particularly when our area has a large infrastructure area near the airport which is currently in development and away from housing? Where will the treated water be let out? How will this affect our nature and local water ways? How will you mitigate the impact on the environment? I expected better from a council in Aotearoa. Open communication and collaboration with communities is what makes our developments align with our needs and leads to thriving communities. We should have been made aware of this project at the start of the process, not the middle when all the decisions had already been made. Additionally, I am confused why a water treatment plant is being built to serve the Hamilton City Council area in the Waipa area. Clarity and - once again - open communication on what is happening with the different council areas, should be happening, but isn’t.

No

Most existing housing in this area has their own private water supply and treatment systems, therefore increasing our rates would not align with our use of the proposed new water treatment plant. Instead, we would be paying increased rates so that people outside of our area can benefit from the new treatment plant without having to increase their rates. This is an unfair and poorly considered solution. Additionally, the treatment plant is proposed to be built in the Waipa area, yet will serve the Hamilton City Council area - why would our rates increase for a different council?

Yes,

Website, Social media, Public signage, Letter / Flyer, E-newsletter, Apps, Surveys, Focus groups, Hui, Marae forum, Events (online or in person)

Yes

Very, very poor communication with the wastewater treatment plant which does not align with this policy. No consultation with the community from the beginning of the process. No consultation with the community in decision making processes. No open communication on why this is happening in this location, how the environment will be protected and how this will affect rate payers - particularly those who won’t use it. You have not upheld proper engagement with your community so have not upheld this policy in practice.

Yes

No, these are my own personal views

Waipa District