It's time to demand better Water Reform

It’s time to demand better Water Reform

The public currently have their one and only opportunity to have their say on the Three Waters Reforms. Submissions are now being accepted on the Water Services Entities Bill through the Select Committee process, and Kaikōura District Council Mayor Craig Mackle says it’s important that they don’t miss the opportunity.

Full guidance on how people can provide their feedback is now at demandbetter.nz. Everyone has until July 22 to have their say.

The Water Services Entities Bill is the first of two Bills giving effect to the Government’s Three Waters Reform proposals. It establishes the four multi-regional entities, their purpose and objectives, and their representation and governance arrangements. The Bill also covers the accountability arrangements for the entities and other levers that communities have to influence the direction of the entities.

Mayor Mackle said that they had been approached by many people unhappy with what was being suggested, now it was time for everyone to take action.

“This is the only chance that you will get to have any say whatsoever on what happens to our district’s infrastructure,” Mackle said.

“We’re disappointed in this initial version of the legislation, but we’re committed to working to get a better model in place that works for everyone.”

“Kaikōura District Council has always been supportive of an entity taking a Ngāi Tahu takiwā boundary approach if a super entity is to be implemented and also co-governance arrangements with Māori.”

“For us it is about a loss of local democracy. The Government has not been listening to the people and has significantly reduced the ability for small communities to have a say in the future management of assets they own. There’s a real danger we get ignored in the new entity and our community pay more for a lower level of service.”

“If you don’t want to see future water services that are ‘all pay, no say’ this is your only opportunity to stand up and be counted.”

“We need to deliver a strong message to the Government that people want a better form of reform that respects the decades of investment by local communities and enables them to preserve a real say in how their money is spent in future.”

“Every person that doesn’t take part in the process will be counted by the government as being in support of this plan.”

Submissions are now being accepted on the Water Services Entities Bill on the New Zealand Parliament website