Scoop has an Ethical Paywall
Wellington Water Chair Nick Leggett Resigns Over Moa Point Sewage Disaster
The chair of Wellington Water has resigned following the Moa Point crisis.
Nick Leggett said the failure of the Wellington treatment plant was deeply serious and had affected the environment, public health and the community.
A failure at the treatment plant on Wellington's south coast earlier this month has been spilling 70 million litres of untreated sewage a day into Cook Strait.
Labelled an environmental disaster by the city's mayor, Wellington Water has warned it could be months before the plant is operating again and the waters are again swimmable.
Leggett said leadership carried responsibility, and stepping aside would allow Wellington Water to focus on fixing the problems and restoring public trust.
An independent government review would examine the causes of the failure. Leggett said he would fully cooperate with that process.
His last day will be Monday. Deputy chair Bill Bayfield will take over as interim chair. Leggett had been in the role since 2023.
Wellington Mayor Andrew Little responded to Leggett's resignation saying he had spoken to the incoming interim chair to ensure recovery continues.
"I acknowledge Nick Leggett's service as the Chair of Wellington Water."
He said Wellington Water had the technical skills to lead the recovery, and find what the plant needs as it's rebuilt.
Wellington City Council is Wellington Water's largest shareholder and the owner of the Moa Point treatment plant.
"Council has an important role in supporting Wellington Water and other stakeholders like regional public health authorities to keep up the flow of clear information to the community. This is crucial so Wellingtonians can keep themselves safe and know what the next steps in the recovery are," Little said.
"I have spoken to the incoming interim chair and reinforced my expectation that Wellington City Council partners with him to ensure this happens."
Local government Minister Simon Watts said he did not get a heads-up about Leggett's resignation.
He said Wellingtonians deserved answers over the Moa Point failure, and he had no concerns about Leggett cooperating fully with the independent government review.
Watts confirmed he did not ask Leggett to step down.
"Wellingtonians deserve confidence in the people responsible for delivering their water services, and my understanding is that this is why he has chosen to step down."
RNZ
New Zealand's public broadcaster, providing comprehensive NZ news and current affairs, specialist audio features and documentaries.
Radio New Zealand is a Crown entity established under the Radio New Zealand Act 1995. Radio New Zealand News are vital elements in our programming, providing impartial news and information to New Zealanders every day. Radio New Zealand (RNZ) provides listeners with exciting and independent radio programmes in accordance with the Radio New Zealand Charter.
Gordon Campbell: On Pauline Hanson’s Rise, And The TOP Renaissance
Inland Revenue: Watch Out For Scammers This Tax Season
WIOG NZ: Australia Beats New Zealand To Win The Trans-Tasman Best Tasting Tap Water Title
Hapai Te Hauora: New Online Gambling Laws Could Grow Harm While Claiming To Reduce It
New Zealand Alliance Party: Alliance Party Firmly Opposes “Backdoor Privatisation” Of Kiwibank
Taxpayers' Union: New Poll - Coalition Still Ahead; Luxon Regains 'Preferred Prime Minister' Top-Spot
NZ National Party: Judith Collins’ Valedictory Speech
