“National wants a strategy and model that allows us to unlock our economic potential and safeguard our communities from increasing drought,” says National Party leader Judith Collins.
“Done correctly, water storage can be equal parts beneficial to the environment, economy and community.
"National will support local government to develop the three waters infrastructure, which will include clean water infrastructure and storage. The new National Infrastructure Bank will be able to provide professional advice and finance models to enable the delivery of vital new infrastructure.
“The recent Auckland water crisis highlighted the need for more to be done. Cities like Auckland need a resilient and clean water supply to continue being a world class city, and to make sure we can deal with the economic crisis we are facing.
“National knows we need to grow ourselves out of this economic crisis. This initiative will help New Zealand businesses increase their productivity and resilience.
National will:
• Establish a fund within the National Infrastructure Bank with $600 million to develop a long term plan for water storage
• Develop a National Policy Statement on Water Storage to provide certainty around the strategic use of water, streamline consenting and set minimum environmental standards for newly irrigated land
• Guarantee common ownership of water for all New Zealanders
• Treat water as a prime strategic resource, recognising the importance of water storage for resilience, urban water supply, enhanced environmental outcomes, and better land use options in rural communities.
