Matt Cowley Tauranga City Councillor

Most councils around NZ had to restrict their water use this summer. Tauranga was one of only a few NZ cities that didn't impose water restrictions.

While NIWA's data shows Tauranga's summer was both the sunniest and wettest of all NZ's metro cities, we only had 76 percent of our average summer rainfall.

A quick scan shows Upper Hutt has year-round water restrictions, while other parts of Wellington have restrictions during daylight savings. Auckland doesn't have water restrictions, but they source some of their water from the Waikato River.

Previous councils made a wise decision to install water meters on properties. Not only does it encourage people to conserve water, but it ensures high users of water pay more than those who use minimal amounts.

Before water meters were installed, the city was consuming water like it was going out of fashion. These water meters have done such a good job, they delayed the need for Council to invest in new water supplies by several years.

Papamoa's continued growth means a lot more drinking water will be needed in the future. We're continuing with the previous Council's plan to invest $40 million into the Waiari Water Treatment Plant 3.5km south of Te Puke.

Kudos to previous councils for purchasing land in Western Bay of Plenty District Council's area to secure drinking supplies for the future. And yes, we're working with Western Bay to ensure it services Te Puke's growth as well.

We're looking to start this project from 2017. Most of the funds will be paid via development contributions as the city grows.

The Bay of Plenty Regional Council says this water catchment is over allocated. Their proposed water programme will implement the government's legislative national standards. It's going to be very interesting to work with the regional council on reallocating fresh water between so many competing uses – for example, horticulture verses residential drinking water while protecting environmental bottom lines.

We're also investing $4 million into a reservoir on Joyce Road to secure water for the southern growth corridor from 2017. It's smart to spread our water supply assets so we are less vulnerable when disaster strikes.

I'm also hoping Council can work with power companies so meter boxes on properties are simpler. Technology could provide opportunities for both parties to save costs on reading meters, and help residents to save money by looking at their consumption.

Feel free to email me your thoughtsmatt.cowley@tauranga.govt.nz, phone/text me on 027 6989 548, and follow me at www.facebook.com/a.younger.voice