This notice is issued pursuant to section 57 of the Water Services Act 2021 (“Act”), by the Head of Systems, Strategy and Performance of Taumata Arowai – the Water Services Regulator (“Taumata Arowai”) acting under delegated authority.

Notice

1. Title

This notice is the Water Services Act 2021 (Exemption No. 004, Department of Conservation) General Exemption Notice 2025.

2. Commencement

The exemption comes into force on 5 February 2025.

3. Exemption

The Department of Conservation is exempt from compliance with the requirements listed in section 57(1) of the Act in relation to the following supplies:

1. Makarora Field Base; and
2. Pipiriki Field Base.

The exemption is subject to the following conditions:

For all drinking water supplies to which this exemption relates, the Department of Conservation must ensure:

(1) Adequate signage advising consumers to boil drinking water is installed in a visually prominent place at each site; and

(2) Maintenance checks are carried out and documented annually to ensure the following:

1. Boil water signage remains in place:
2. Any tanks are secure from animal or bird access:
3. Any guttering, pipes and screens that are part of the drinking water supply remain intact and functional; and

(3) Adequate written procedures are in place along with training to ensure that Department of Conservation staff or agents can competently carry out maintenance checks; and

(4) Any necessary maintenance or replacement work identified during maintenance checks, or that the Department of Conservation otherwise becomes aware of, is carried out as soon as reasonably practicable.

4. Reasons for Granting the Exemption

The exemption has been granted for the following reasons:

1. Having regard to the scale, complexity and risk profile of the drinking water supplies that are included in this exemption and subject to the conditions above, the general exemption applied for by the Department of Conservation is consistent with the main purpose of the Act (other than the duty to have a drinking water safety plan).
2. It is impractical for the Department of Conservation to comply with the statutory duties that would otherwise apply in regard to drinking water supplies that are included in this exemption.

5. Term

This exemption expires on the close of the day that is 5 years after the date on which it takes effect, unless it is sooner replaced or revoked.

6. Secondary Legislation

This exemption is secondary legislation as defined in the Legislation Act 2019.

7. Administering Agency

The administering agency for this exemption is Taumata Arowai.

Dated at Wellington this 4th day of February 2025.

SARA McFALL, Head of Systems, Strategy and Performance, Taumata Arowai.