Forced reform angers mayors

Published date04 November 2021
Publication titleNorth Canterbury News
The Mayors of Waimakariri, Hurunui and Kaikoura, say the Government has ignored feedback from their residents on the Three Waters Reform, and are disappointed it is forging ahead with legislation that will make it mandatory for councils nationwide to transfer control of their three waters infrastructure.

This is despite an option to opt-out being announced early in the reform process, and calls for the Government to pause, and reflect on the feedback from councils up and down the country.

Waimakariri Mayor Dan Gordon and Hurunui Mayor Marie Black say they are bitterly disappointed with the announcement by the Minister of Local Government Nanaia Mahuta that the reforms will be mandatory.

This is despite blunt and lengthy submissions to her expressing their opposition.

Kaikoura Mayor Craig Mackle says her announcement is ‘‘unbelievable’’ and is ‘‘much, much bigger than the three waters, it goes back to democracy’’.

Mr Gordon says Government has conceded to work with local government to ensure there is adequate governance, representation and accountability, but he is ‘‘exceptionally’’ disappointed at the mandatory nature of the reform, and the lack of information his council has received, despite a formal request for more information.

‘‘This is especially so as all councils entered into this reform process on the understanding that this was a choice,’’ he says.

“Our analysis showed the argument for change for our community from the Government is flawed, and I am upset and extremely concerned that this proposal is being forced on us.

‘‘We received a very clear message that 95 percent of respondents to our community survey told the council that they wanted us to retain local decision making, control and influence of our assets.’’

Mr Gordon says the council had approached the review of Three Waters in good faith and hoped the Government would show similar good faith, respecting the decision of the majority of councils to opt-out of the reform.

‘‘We hoped they would at least press pause to allow more time to fully consider the proposal based on the feedback from local government.

“Throughout this process the council always maintained that quality drinking water and better environmental outcomes are essential and we were open to change. Where we disagreed was with the fixed view on the solution. Our residents also didn’t support this fixed view and will be angry to hear this is being forced on them.’’

Mrs Black says the council engaged with the government on its...

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