Getting consensus right

It seems obvious when you think about it, but somehow, it's easy to forget – infrastructure is all about people. It's not about concrete and construction. These are just means to an end. When the people and communities who collectively use and pay for infrastructure are missing from being a meaningful part of the conversation, it can be hard to tell if infrastructure investment and services are meeting the mark.

Watercare provides water and wastewater services to 1.7 million people in the Auckland region. They ensure that there is a reliable water supply through an extensive network of treatment plants, reservoirs, pumps and pipes. Their goal is simple, deliver clean and healthy water to Aucklanders and collect and treat wastewater to prevent environmental pollution and protect public health. But for Watercare, looking after its assets and investing in new infrastructure to meet these goals are only part of the puzzle, the other part, is people.

In this episode, Jean Beetham, Senior Advisor - Economics and Research and Bas van Laanen, Senior Advisor - Digital and Content, from Te Waihanga, speak to Moana Williams, Manager Strategic Relations and Community, Jenny Wigley, Customer Insights Specialist, and Chris Allen, Manager Strategic Planning, from Watercare about their recent engagement on their Metropolitan Servicing Strategy.