Taumata Arowai is Aotearoa New Zealand’s regulator for drinking water. It also oversees the environmental performance of public wastewater and stormwater networks.
Stephanie’s re-appointment will see her serve a further three-year term alongside four other members on Taumata Arowai’s independent, Minister-appointed Māori Advisory Group.
The Māori Advisory Group helps Taumata Arowai, and its Board, understand and consider Māori knowledge, values and interests and Treaty obligations in its work. This includes advising on how te ao Māori perspectives and approaches to environmental stewardship can be reflected in the regulation of water services.
Stephanie says she was fortunate during her previous term on the Māori Advisory Group to help establish some of the regulatory tools and functions that support the water sector.
“The country faces a significant water infrastructure challenge, and we need to find smarter, more efficient ways to deliver outcomes. Being re-appointed for a second term is an opportunity to continue contributing as the next phase of those tools and functions comes online.
“Taumata Arowai’s expanding functions have the potential to support greater consistency, scale and effectiveness across the sector, and I’m excited to again have the opportunity to contribute to that work.”