What does science have to say about the state of our Three Waters systems? Leave politics at the door and hear from a range of experts about the need for water systems reform in our communities and how the Three Waters framework intends to address these needs.

Experts on policy, human and environmental health will help dispel myths and expand understanding of this complex issue.

The Panel:

Tim Cadogan has been Mayor of the Central Otago District for almost 6 years and has confirmed he will be standing for re-election in October this year. Prior to being Mayor, Tim was a Court lawyer and prior to that had a career in radio, focussing on on-air work and copywriting. Tim was a member of the Working Group on Representation, Governance and Accountability of the new Water Services Entities that had the vast majority of its 47 recommendations accepted by Government earlier this year.

Tim Chambers is a Senior Research Fellow in the Health, Environment and Infection Research Unit at the University of Otago, Wellington. He is an epidemiologist with research interests in environmental health and infectious diseases. Tim’s current research investigates the potential health burden of drinking water contamination.

Professor Gerry Closs is a freshwater and freshwater fish ecologist and recent Head of Department of Zoology, at the University of Otago. He has published over 150 research papers, book chapters and books on a wide variety of aspects on New Zealand freshwater systems, invertebrates and fish.  Gerry has also acted in a variety of government and community advisory roles, including ministerial appointments to Special Tribunals to hear applications for Water Conservation Orders. He is also a Trustee of the Clutha Fisheries Trust.

Edward Ellison is an Otago Peninsula Farmer, Upoko Rūnanga of Te Rūnaka o Ōtākou, and Chair of Aukaha regional environmental consultancy. He has had a long term involvement in RMA and local government processes in Otago and beyond.