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642 days ago

Waimakariri council debates reforms

Nicole Mathewson Reporter from Northern Outlook

By David Hill, Local Democracy Reporter

Government reform was on top of the agenda at a Waimakariri District Council meeting on Tuesday, February 7.

Councillors debated submissions on the draft future of local government report, and two Three Waters reform bills.

In a draft submission prepared by senior policy analyst Temi Allinson, the council advocated for five year long term plans, supported the concept of ‘‘citizen-led participatory democracy’’, called for stronger relations between central and local government, and reiterated concern for ‘‘unfunded mandates’’.

The council chose not to give feedback on the proposal to lower the voting age to 16 in its submission.

‘‘We decided it was a matter we didn’t need to have a view on,’’ mayor Dan Gordon said.

‘‘It is before the courts, and really it is a matter for the government.’’

The Water Services Legislation Bill and the Water Services Economic Efficiency and Consumer Protection Bill caused considerable discussion with councillors raising a number of concerns.

Cr Joan Ward questioned how creating additional bureaucracy would led to lower costs.

She said the council needed to re-enforce its opposition to the proposed reforms, and she expressed concerned about the lack of transparency in the draft legislation.

She noted there was no reference in the bills requiring the new entities to be audited by Audit New Zealand.

Cr Jason Goldsworthy questioned whether the Commerce Commission was the right body to have oversight over the new Three Waters entities, as proposed in the legislation.

He noted the Commerce Commission had found concerns with the supermarket duopoly model, so how could an entity with a monopoly over three waters be subject to market competition?

Deputy mayor Neville Atkinson said the Commerce Commission was not the right body to have oversight of Three Waters.

‘‘It needs to have the Auditor-General over the top of it.’’

Cr Niki Mealings noted there was no guarantee for drinking water to be supplied in the proposed legislation, if it was to be treated like other utilities such as power or phone.

‘‘Will people get their water cut off if they can’t pay their bill?’’

Cr Philip Redmond noted the proposed legislation did not address the question of ownership of water.

‘‘Is that a deliberate omission? There are differing views on what ownership of water means and I wonder if this bill is opening the way for an alternative to come in.’’

Submissions on the draft future of local government report close on February 28, while the Three Waters reforms submissions close on February 12.

■ Public interest journalism is funded by New Zealand on Air.

More messages from your neighbours
4 days ago

Poll: Is it rude to talk on the phone on a bus?

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

Buses can be a relaxing way to get home if you have a seat and enough space. However, it can be off-putting when someone is taking a phone call next to you.

Do you think it's inconsiderate for people to have lengthy phone calls on a bus? Vote in the poll, and add your comments below.

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Is it rude to talk on the phone on a bus?
  • 63.9% Yes
    63.9% Complete
  • 33.6% No
    33.6% Complete
  • 2.6% Other - I'll share below
    2.6% Complete
2583 votes
3 days ago

Childs trike

Diane from Rangiora

Have 4 yr old boy stopping for 9 days at xmas. Has anyone got a small bike or scooter l could borrow or buy at good price as probably wont b used again ! He has two older sisters who might share.

2 days ago

Paddy Gower seeks ‘bloody great Cantab’

Nicole Mathewson Reporter from The Press

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.

“Basically I am looking for ... a bloody great Cantab who just gets on and gets things done. The criteria is somebody who has a positive attitude and makes the community a better place," Gower said.

“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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