Call for Government to pause Three Waters reform until election

Communities 4 Local Democracy Mayors are calling for the Government to pause the Three Waters reform and seek an electoral mandate at the upcoming election.

Last Friday 7 July, Communities 4 Local Democracy chairs Mayors Helen Worboys and Dan Gordon spoke in opposition to the Government’s Water Services Entities Amendment bill at the Governance and Administration Select Committee hearing.

Mayor Worboys said that C4LD members supported the need for three waters reform, but continued to be united in their opposition to the government’s model.

Grey District Mayor, Tania Gibson, says “we acknowledge there have been some changes to the legislation, however they do not address the core issues. These being the taking of community assets without compensation and removal of local decision making.”

“The critical flaws in the plan, the unrealistic deliverables, the unconvincing figures and the unbelievable efficiencies demanded for the government’s plan to work all still remain with 10 entities.”

“C4LD have developed a 10 point proposal that would deliver on the objectives of the reform but retain control and influence for local communities.”

“We want communities to have a real say in the planning and delivery of their critical infrastructure, not to be subject to a model dictated from Wellington which has no understanding or reflection of local communities.”

Mayor Gibson supports a pause in the reform, saying “there is no need to rush the reforms through before the election. With the election now so soon, it would be better to wait.”

“If come election time, there is a change in government, it would not have to waste time repealing the legislation. On the other hand, if the current government is re-elected, it would be able to progress the bill, with the clear support of the country.”

“We ask, for the benefit of our community, that the Select Committee recommend a pause in this reform.”