IAWAI Water Services Strategy

I support the overall direction of the IAWAI Water Services Strategy, particularly the focus on upgrading ageing infrastructure and protecting the Waikato River.
As a Hamilton resident, my main concern is affordability for households. While I understand that major investment is needed to improve water and wastewater services, it is important that future charges remain fair and manageable for working families, first-home buyers, and residents already facing high living costs.
I support the principle that growth should help pay for growth, so existing residents are not unfairly burdened with the cost of new developments.
I would also like greater transparency around the proposed future rollout of residential water meters in Hamilton. Before any final decision is made, residents should be clearly informed about how billing will work, expected costs, and whether there will be protections for larger families and low-income households.
It is also important that investment decisions continue to prioritise resilience, maintenance of existing assets, and environmental protection, especially the long-term health of the Waikato River.
Overall, I support the strategy, provided affordability, transparency, and community consultation remain central to future decisions.

Partially support

As a first-home buyer in Nawton, I support the principle that growth should help pay for growth, but I would like the Council to consider the impact on existing homeowners who are trying to make reasonable improvements to their property.
For example, if I purchase a house and later want to build an additional dwelling or minor unit at the back of the section, I may be required to upgrade or install new water, wastewater, and stormwater services because there are currently no available services for that part of the land.
While I understand that infrastructure upgrades are necessary, the cost of stripping the land and putting in entirely new services can be significant, especially for first-home buyers and working families. In many cases, these costs can make small-scale development financially difficult, even when it helps increase housing supply in Hamilton.
I ask that Council ensure the charges and service upgrade requirements are fair, transparent, and proportionate, and that support or staged payment options are considered for homeowners undertaking small residential developments rather than large commercial projects.

Partially support

suggest Council consider a more flexible approach based on the size and likely usage of the dwelling.
For example:
minor dwellings up to 50 m² = 0.25 HUE
minor dwellings 50–70 m² = 0.5 HUE
larger secondary dwellings = 1 HUE
This would better reflect the actual demand placed on water and wastewater infrastructure. A very small granny flat used by one elderly parent or a single tenant may place significantly less demand on services than a larger self-contained unit.
A tiered approach would be fairer for homeowners and help encourage affordable housing options while still ensuring growth contributes to infrastructure costs.

Social media

Yes

Yes

I believe it is important to have a fair and practical process that allows fees, penalties, or conditions to be waived in exceptional circumstances such as financial hardship, genuine errors, natural disasters, or unexpected water leaks.
As a Hamilton resident, I support having flexibility in the system so households are not unfairly penalised for situations beyond their control. It is also positive that the proposed policy continues the same general waiver arrangements currently available under Council, which provides consistency and certainty for residents.
I encourage IAWAI to ensure the waiver process is transparent, easy to apply for, and clearly communicated to the public, especially for first-home buyers, families, and vulnerable households who may need support.

No, these are my own personal views