Client: Central government, local government, iwi
MartinJenkins is a leading adviser in New Zealand's water sector, bringing deep experience in working with central and local government, iwi, and industry groups. Our work in the water sector spans a wide range of high-impact, strategic projects across the country.
A key focus of our practice has been supporting councils to assess the viability and sustainability of their current water-service delivery, and to assess options for future service delivery ranging from inhouse delivery to multi-council CCOs. Our analysis supports councils to adopt solutions that are economically sound, practical to implement, and consistent with regulatory expectations.
We also served as a lead adviser to the Department of Internal Affairs on water regulation, including for establishing Taumata Arowai, the Water Services Authority, and to successive governments on their water-reform programmes.
Our advice on economic, regulatory, and governance matters helped shape these reforms, including the extensive support we provided for implementing "Local Water Done Well". A focus here was on developing proposals for independent, professionally governed service-delivery models. These needed to include efficient financing structures while also strengthening council balance sheets and maintaining local direction and accountability.
We were instrumental in advising the Government and Auckland Council on the financial separation of Watercare. We provided advice to support Cabinet decisions and we helped develop the Watercare Charter and Crown-monitoring arrangements.
We also have expertise in responding to freshwater challenges. One example of our impact is the Kaipara Moana remediation project, where we worked closely with Auckland Council, Northland Council, and five hapū of Kaipara Uri to address critical sedimentation issues. Our business case secured $100 million in central government funding, which combined with other sources to deliver a $200 million investment over six years.
We have also led significant reviews, including an independent inquiry into Wellington Water's ceasing of water fluoridation, and strategic analysis of stormwater services in Auckland. Our work demonstrates a deep understanding of the financial challenges facing councils in delivering water services.
