North Canterbury mayors continue opposition on 3 Waters
By David Hill, local democracy reporter
North Canterbury’s Mayors say they will continue to oppose Three Waters reform in its present format, despite the passing of the Water Services Entities Bill.
The Waimakariri, Hurunui and Kaikōura councils have been actively opposed to the proposed reform and are members of the lobby group Communities 4 Local Democracy (C4LD).
Meanwhile, Ngāi Tahu said it looked forward to working with local councils.
Waimakariri mayor and C4LD deputy chairperson Dan Gordon believed it was not too late to change the government’s mind.
He noted Labour had passed the bill on December 8 without the support of any other party in Parliament.
‘‘It is disappointing to see the Labour Party pushing ahead with such unpopular policy and they’re forcing this through alone.
‘‘Everyone agrees there needs to be investment over several decades to upgrade New Zealand’s freshwater, stormwater and waste-water infrastructure and that requires maximum political consensus to deliver policy stability.’’
Gordon said he was disappointed the government had not engaged more closely with councils.
He felt the C4LD alternative of councils working together as regional water authorities with access to central government support could have gained bi-partisan.
‘‘It is mind-boggling this myth that billions of dollars are going to be borrowed for water infrastructure and that this cost will not be felt by the end user.’’
Gordon said C4LD would hold National and Act to their public promise to repeal and replace the legislation, should they be elected next year.
Hurunui mayor and Canterbury Mayoral Forum deputy chairperson Marie Black said it was an ‘‘unsettling time’’ for council staff, who were having to operate business as usual, while change was looming.
‘‘We understand the reasons why there is a need for change and the new regulations.
‘‘We all expect to have good quality water from Kaitaia to Bluff, but that could have been achieved with (the water regulator) Taumata Arowai.
‘‘But at every level there is still a concern. We know where we are heading, but we don’t know the impacts.’’
Kaikōura mayor Craig Mackle said his council would continue to oppose the reforms in their present form.
‘‘We have to be realistic that Government is aggressively pushing its reform programme through before next year’s election and it is very clear to me the Government is not listening to councils.’’
Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu Kaiwhakahaere Lisa Tumahai acknowledged the process had been "long and sometimes contentious".
‘‘Fundamentally we all want the same things, which is safe, sustainable water services delivered fairly, while protecting the environment and allowing for development.’’
Under the legislation, four water entities would be created around the country to manage freshwater, stormwater and waste-water.
Entity D covered Ngāi Tahu’s takiwā, which encompassed most of the South Island, and would be co-governed 22 councils and Ngāi Tahu.
■ Public interest journalism is funded by New Zealand on Air.
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Paddy Gower seeks ‘bloody great Cantab’
The Kiwi journalist drilling deep into the country’s biggest issues is on a mission to find the local greats.
Paddy Gower is looking for the Good Kiwi in every region to feature in his show, The F@#$ing News - Paddy Gower Live on Tour.
To nominate a Good Kiwi, email reporters@press.co.nz with the name and a description of why your nominee should win. You an also share the local issues you think Paddy needs to tackle in the comments below.
It could be the woman whose knitting circle has made 3800 items for victims of domestic violence, the guy running the length of Aotearoa for mental health, or the woman with terminal cancer who spends her time campaigning to raise awareness and save lives.
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“I will give this person the 'Big Ups' they deserve, and the community can celebrate them with me.”
A Good Kiwi will feature in each of Gower’s live shows in 14 centres through November and December. He will name the Cantabrian Good Kiwi at his Christchurch show on the evening of Friday, November 22, at St Margaret’s College.
The F@#$ing News - Paddy Gower Live on Tour is a sort of book tour, sort of stand-up comedy, some journalistic yarns and memoir, and some motivational speaking - with a fair bit of local in each show.
Gower also wants to know about topics of interest in the region.
“I’m ... going to be taking on a big issue facing Canterbury and offering up solutions.”
A stinky suburb, a neighbourhood needing a round-about or a cathedral in disrepair - “I will make your views count”, he said.
“I'm touring the nation to spread positivity, optimism and good vibes.”
*For tickets to the The F@#$ing News - Paddy Gower Live on Tour visit paddygower.co.nz
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