Friday, March 29, 2024

Alternative water reform plan presented

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Mayors and chief executives representing the 32 member councils of Communities 4 Local Democracy He hapori mō te Manapori (C4LD) have presented politicians and government officials with their alternative plan for three waters reform.
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Ashburton Mayor Neil Brown hopes Government Ministers will listen carefully to feedback on proposed three waters reform.

Mayors and chief executives representing the 32 member councils of Communities 4 Local Democracy He hapori mō te Manapori (C4LD) have presented politicians and government officials with their alternative plan for three waters reform.

The local government leaders recently travelled to Wellington to present their 10 point plan for reform to Local Government Minister Nanaia Mahuta and Department of Internal Affairs officials, as well as Green Party co-leaders Marama Davidson and James Shaw, and Green MP Eugenie Sage. 

The group had already presented its models to the National Party and ACT representatives.

Manawatū District Mayor and C4LD chair Helen Worboys says the group is keen to work with all parties to ensure any reforms have the broad base of support needed for major long-term infrastructure investment.

“The proposals we’ve brought to the table enable the Government to deliver on all its aims, create opportunities for strong and lasting partnerships and deliver safe, sustainable and affordable water services for all New Zealand,” she said.

“We’re confident that we’re in line with the majority of New Zealanders. We’ve presented a reform framework that is directly supported by nearly half of councils in New Zealand and is aligned with the views of the majority of other councils, most notably Auckland representing 1.7 million people.”

Ashburton Mayor Neil Brown says people in his district have given a clear message that they do not support the Government’s reform model and want the process stopped.

“We’ve spent a lot of money over the years to make sure our three waters infrastructure is maintained to a high standard. This council has a long-held policy to renew pipes and other infrastructure before they break, and to plan ahead for growth.”

He says while other councils needed assistance with three waters services, the current model proposed by Government was not fit for purpose and he hoped that ministers would listen carefully to feedback.

The full presentation to the minister outlining C4LD’s framework for reform is now available at www.communities4localdemocracy.co.nz/ideas

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