Links and Resources
This is an edited version of the website that the citizens’ assembly used during the process. All the videos that contain identifiable information has been removed, in accordance to the requirements of the UAHPEC.
Iain Rabbitts is one of the best water treatment engineers in New Zealand, with unparalleled expertise in making water supplies safe. Iain has over 30 years of experience in the design, commissioning, operation and optimisation of both conventional and membrane water treatment plants.
During a 25-year career in the water sector, Iain’s worked in 11 countries on five continents. His experience has been mainly with water treatment, but now manages wastewater engineers who provide him with a new focus.
Iain is passionate about taking a sensible approach to sustainability by making sure that the environmental, social and economic concerns are balanced. Being a water engineer in today’s environment provides him with ample opportunities to take a sensible approach to sustainability.
Q&A with Expert panel
Robert Keessen Technical Director, Aurecon
Kobus van Zyl Water infrastructure, University of Auckland
Andrew Chin Engineering and planning, Healthy Waters
Iain Rabbitts Water treatment engineer, Lutra
Dan Hikuroa Te ao Māori, climate & environmental science, University of Auckland
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- “Why can’t we just build another dam?” (00:00)
- “Won’t we fix this with all of us having rainwater tanks?” (01:12)
- “The booklet mentions Te Mana o te Wai. What does this actually mean?” (03:28)
- “What’s wrong with taking more water from the Waikato?” (05:19)
- “What does this have to do with Three Waters reform?” (09:34)
- “What if we treated water as a taonga?” (11:14)
- “How can you be sure that any of these options are safe?” (14:40)
- “We all use way too much water. Can’t we just use less?” (16:47)
- “Why don’t we just catch stormwater and use that?” (19:25)
- “NZ has other places we could get water from. Why aren’t we looking on a national scale?” (21:11)
- “If we keep using water from the Waikato, will they have enough for their needs?” (22:27)
- “Could we use water treated to a lower standard for activities that don’t need a high level of water purity?” (24:45)
- “What environmental impact do dams have?” (27:20)
- “If we all saved a lot of water, how would that affect Watercare’s revenue?” (28:16)
Assembly members ask: “What safeguards are in place in case there is human error/mechanical failure/under-performance in processing the recycled water?”
Question addressed by Iain Rabbitts:
About Koi Tū
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