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The Government will co-invest up to $600 million alongside local councils and private investors in network infrastructure for big new housing developments through a re-purposed ultra-fast broadband company, Finance Minister Steven Joyce and Local Government Minister Anne Tolley say.

Local Government Minister Anne Tolley and Civil Defence Minister Nathan Guy today announced Budget 2017 provides $6 million to part fund emergency water supplies in the Wellington region.

“The Government is committed to improving New Zealand’s resilience to natural hazards,” says Mrs Tolley.

“We’ve worked closely with the Mayors of Wellington, Porirua, Upper and Lower Hutt, as well as the Greater Wellington Regional Council, to develop a plan to improve the region’s water resilience.

Thank you Lawrence for the invitation to speak today and to you all for the very warm welcome. Can I also acknowledge Brian Hanna, Chair of the Rural Sector, Jan Barnes, Chair of the Provincial Sector, and the many Mayors, Councillors and Chief Executives here this afternoon.

I have been asking for the local government portfolio for quite some time so I am really enjoying the role and the opportunity to attend events like this where I can talk with local government representatives from around the country.

Local Government Minister Anne Tolley has announced the appointment of Brendan Duffy as a temporary member of the Local Government Commission.

Mr Duffy has had a long career in local government having held the roles of Councillor for 10 years, then Mayor of the Horowhenua District Council for 12 years. He is currently the Deputy Chair of the MidCentral District Health Board. Mr Duffy is also a Justice of the Peace.

Mrs Tolley said the appointment of Mr Duffy will assist the Commission with its reorganisation work, particularly in the Wairarapa.