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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.

Maryan Street, the Labour list MP working in the Nelson region, said the money will benefit the small communities of Okiwi Bay, Bridge Valley Christian Ranch and Upper Takaka, allowing people in those areas to access consistently clean, safe drinking 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.  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 Maryan Street.

The communities to receive funding in the Nelson-Marlborough region are:

• Okiwi Bay which receives $127,721
• Bridge Valley Christian Ranch which receives $35,835
• Upper Takaka which receives $103,329

The money will be used to develop new water sources, improve treatment systems and replace ageing reticulation systems.

For more information about the programme visit www.moh.govt.nz/water

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