News

Counties Manukau groups to get drinking water funds

Nanaia Mahuta

07.08.2008

Tainui MP Nanaia Mahuta today welcomes the $140,000 funding being given to three small community groups in the Waikato and Counties Manukau region to upgrade drinking water supplies.

"This is a further sign of the Labour-led government's commitment to ensuring our communities get clean, safe water," Nanaia Mahuta said.

The funding is part of a $7 million contribution nationwide which was announced by Associate Health Ministers Damien O'Connor and Mita Ririnui today.

It comes from the third round of support provided by the government's Drinking Water Assistance Programme which provides funding of $150 million over 10 years to improve the quality of drinking water in small communities and marae.

Nanaia Mahuta said the money will benefit community organisations and Marae and will allow people in these areas to access clean and safe water.

"Safe and reliable drinking water is critical for the health of our community. Most New Zealanders are served by large urban drinking water supplies that comply with certain standards," Nanaia Mahuta said.

"This isn't always the case with smaller, more isolated communities and this is a good example of the Labour-led government's investment in such areas of New Zealand," said Nanaia Mahuta.

The communities to receive funding in the region are: