Local Body Elections

Marion from Stoke

The local body elections are coming up..it is imperative you have your say..traditionally a very small percentage of ratepayers vote, but if YOU want to say NO to 3 Waters, it is imperative you vote, or lose our assets and our democracy...yes, our democracy..! Read on..
Peter Williams presentation on 3 Waters: youtu.be...
The most appalling aspect of 3 waters is that democracy is being bulldozed aside as though it has no place in our New Zealand. Democracy is the cornerstone of any government in the free world - one person one vote. That should never be compromised without a referendum open to EVERYONE who is a citizen of New Zealand. Three Waters is a divisive document; racism being introduced as government policy, setting Māori New Zealanders, against all other New Zealanders. 16% of the population (iwi) should never be "gifted" 50% of the vote just because of who their great grandparents were. We are one people, we are New Zealanders, all of us. We are a liberal democracy where all people are born free and equal in dignity and rights.
Then, there is the taking away of ratepayers assets with absolutely no recourse to holding the hierarchy of 3 Waters accountable for their actions, they will not be answerable to the ratepayers: ratepayers will not have voting rights to remove them from their positions! And the logic behind lumping the top of the South in with half the North Island beggars belief..! Added to that, how can a reduction in cost to ratepayers be touted by 3 Waters, when the statement is made that in addition to all those currently employed, another 6000-9000 people will be employed..! The only honest thing about 3 Waters is that some where, some districts, do need to have better water. So why not just target those areas with an injection of expertise and funds and fix their problem..? Otherwise, this is all an asset grab by the Labour Government using the He Puapua document, which will also allow Māori elite to be elevated into positions they cannot be voted out of, and with powers that will enable the harvesting of royalties for the use of water.
Three Waters is not only undemocratic it is outrageously unjust. It is beyond belief for any sane and sensible person to consider this plan as the ONLY option to cure poor water systems that are supposedly in EVERY council throughout New Zealand: and that iwi, who are only 16% of the population, become entitled to 50% of the vote. Democracy should under no circumstances be compromised…
Three Waters doesn’t only compromise democracy, it removes it, without shame, or fear, or the consultation of ALL New Zealanders.. say NO to Three Waters..!
At the local body elections, vote for councillors who are against 3 waters. Save our assets and our democracy..