In a heartwarming development, the residents of Kāeo, a town in the Far North, have finally received running water after more than two months of hardship. This long-awaited relief comes as a result of Taumata Arowai, the national water authority, stepping in to take over the privately-owned water supply. The town had been under a boil-water notice for over a decade, but the situation reached a critical point in October when the water supply completely stopped. After 30 days without running water, the intervention was necessary. Anna Valentine, a resident of Kāeo, expressed her relief and joy at the return of water, stating that her family could now celebrate Christmas without the constant worry about water. She also mentioned that she could resume her cooking school, which had been disrupted due to the lack of running water. The town's water scheme supplies approximately 30 homes and businesses, along with public facilities like toilets and a memorial hall. The supply was originally owned by the Far North District Council but was sold to Doubtless Bay Water in 2000. However, the company exited in 2008, citing the scheme's unviability. It was then bought by Wai Care Environmental Consultants, who owned and operated the water supply until Taumata Arowai's intervention in November. The controversy surrounding the situation lies in the fact that it took over a decade for the authorities to take action. While the residents are grateful for the resolution, they feel that the issue should not have been allowed to drag on for so long. The town's boil-water notice remains in place for now, with Taumata Arowai giving the council until March to bring the supply up to standard. This development serves as a reminder of the importance of reliable access to clean water and the need for swift action when such crises arise.
