We have some breaking news about the Local Water Done Well Submissions for New Plymouth !

The Local Water Done Well Submissions closed on 30^th May. On the 1^st June we asked for a full copy of the submission results.

Today was the 20^th working day and the results had to be back today – they arrived at 1.15pm.

We have seen in news on the Post that the NPDC has confirmed 287 submissions were received for New Plymouth.

We asked for 3 things with the results:

• A copy of the full consultation results
• A copy of the online results for the consultation and copies of individual letters and emails
• Any reports produced as summaries of the consultation responses

We were sent a copy of 287 submissions. The 287 submissions the NPDC has told the Post is what they received.

We were told the full consultation results, and any reports produced, were being withheld until after an NPDC Public Meeting on 22^nd July.

We don’t fully understand the reply - as we have received the 287 submissions – received by the 30^th May. We understand a report may not have been produced yet, but we have a copy of all the 287 submissions ?

We’re just mentioning the withheld part of this - as the NPDC is the only Council in the Taranaki Region not being open and transparent with releasing the results of submissions for Local Water Done Well. We just don’t understand why the information can’t be straight forward like the other 2 Taranaki Councils.

Anyway – the most important thing – we totalled up the 287 results

287 submissions were received

6 were blank or did not state an option

So, there are a total of 281 actual responses

• 167 people opted for an in-house water option
• 85 people opted for a Regional CCO (all 3 councils)
• 23 people opted for an NPDC CCO
• 6 people opted firstly for a consumer trust - and if not – an option WITHOUT a CCO

This gives a clear majority of 61.6% of people wanting the in-house model, or a non CCO option.

And, 38.4% of people wanting either a regional or New Plymouth CCO.

Just like Stratford and South Taranaki – the majority of people in New Plymouth - want to retain an in-house model.

Please share this information with people you know. This is people power in action.

We have been saying we have to form a voice that represents the Ratepayers and Renters – and we have to participate when we are asked what we want.

We do not understand why the NPDC has not released this break down publicly already – when the other 2 Taranaki Councils have. We definitely don't understand why WE have to add it up and release it publicly.

We will follow closely what the NPDC decides to release publicly on 22^nd July - with any further information or reports they withheld today.

Once again though, we could clearly see in the submission results the people who have been supporting us through facebook, or our mail list, and we are so very thankful to all of you for taking the time to put pen to paper and let our Council know which option you wanted.