Council Demands Government Reverse its 3 Waters Decision

Dear Minister Mahuta

Three Waters Reform

On behalf of the ratepayers and residents of South Taranaki, we are writing to express our absolute dismay, disappointment and frustration with your government's decision mandating Councils must be part of the Three Waters Reform programme.

Irrespective of individuals views of the reform, you and your officials consistently told us that Councils, and therefore our community would be afforded the opportunity, and courtesy, for full public consultation on this hugely significant matter. But now, and after the majority of Councils asked the Government to pause and rethink the proposal, you have broken your promise and commitment and taken the decision-making out of the hands of the people who actually own the assets.

This decision is wrong on so many levels, it’s anti-democratic and in our view represents a major breach of trust.

In the past councils have been reproached by the government for not consulting with their communities on matters of far less significance than this. For central government, it seems to be a case of do as we say, not as we do.

While we acknowledge that there is a need for regulatory changes in the three waters activities, this move to force councils to participate without public consultation is totally unacceptable. The South Taranaki District Council demands that you reconsider this decision and do what you said you would do, which is to give our residents an opportunity to have their say on this matter.

Only then can we, in good faith, truly work in partnership for the well-being of our communities.