Submission details
| Submission ID | 9295 |
|---|---|
| Name | Donald Matheson |
| Date | 24 March 2026 |
| 1. Do you have any feedback on the IAWAI Water Services Strategy? |
This strategy is very weak on climate change information or consideration. Below are 4 areas I'd like to highlight, though there are more.
While the strategy refers to extreme weather, resilience, and disasters, it does not discuss climate change in several key areas. 1) The strategy never uses the terms: - climate change - climate adaptation - climate mitigation - greenhouse gas emissions - carbon footprint This is a major gap for a 10-year infrastructure plan 2)There is no analysis or comment on natural environment variables which will change due to climate change. Including: - future rainfall patterns - drought frequency and severity - river level changes - heat impacts - catchment-level changes - climate-driven water quality changes Without this, investment decisions may not be aligned with future risk. 3) Large water and wastewater treatment operations have significant energy and emissions footprints. The strategy does not include: - energy efficiency targets - decarbonisation plans - renewable energy opportunities (biogas, solar, heat recovery, etc.) - methane/nitrous oxide reduction from wastewater plants - emissions management 4)While many capital projects are listed, none mention: - climate-resilient design - future-proofing for higher flood levels - designing for more intense rainfall events - treatment plant adaptation (e.g., managing algal blooms, warmer wastewater) |
| 2a. Do you support a growth pays for growth approach for new residential and commercial developments, including the use of growth charges to help fund growth-related infrastructure and services? |
Yes
|
| 2b. In the current residential growth charges proposal secondary minor dwellings (i.e. granny flats) may be treated as ½ HUE. Do you support treating secondary minor dwellings as ½ HUE? If you have an alternative proposal, please explain. |
Partially support
|
| 3. How would you prefer IAWAI engage you? |
Website, Public signage, Letter / Flyer, E-newsletter, Surveys, Hui, Marae forum, Events (online or in person), Antenno app
|
| 4. Do you support IAWAI’s Significance and Engagement Policy? |
Yes
|
| 6. Do you support IAWAI'S Waiver Policy? |
Partially support
|
| Are you giving feedback on behalf of an organisation? |
No, these are my own personal views
|
| I live in Waikato district, my town is |
Ngaruawahia
|