1 May 2017

A nationwide survey aimed at gauging New Zealanders’ attitudes and concerns about water issues has been launched today.

Water New Zealand is behind the survey and hopes it will help the water sector grapple with the growing challenges around planning and managing the country’s water resources.

Water New Zealand Chief Executive John Pfahlert says the country’s future prosperity is inextricably linked to how well our water resources will meet the needs of a growing population, diversified industries and protection of the environment.

He says recent events such as the Havelock North water contamination have helped focus attention on what is an essential resource that most of us take for granted.

“Water is one of the most essential services that local authorities provide to customers every day yet it is a service that most people don’t fully understand and that means there is a risk that they can lose trust in a provider.

“In general New Zealanders get great service from their water service providers at very little cost, but it is important that those providers remain responsive to communities’ needs and expectations.

“Those of us in the business of providing drinking water, wastewater and stormwater services need to understand what customers and communities think, including their values, how satisfied they are with the level and cost of infrastructure and whether water quality issues are being adequately addressed,’’ Mr Pfahlert says.

Information gathered during the survey will be used by water providers and utilities to help in future planning and ensuring customers’ needs are being met.

Take part in the survey.