Three Waters
You may have heard of the Government's Three Waters proposal, or seen the adverts on TV showing slime coming out of the shower and a boat stuck in a dry pond. You may have also heard that councils around NZ are turning against the proposal, and that Auckland Mayor Phil Goff has criticised it.
Instead of lending to councils to upgrade their infrastructure, the Government's proposal is for councils to hand over control of all drinking water, wastewater and stormwater infrastructure to four new unelected organisations that will be able to borrow money, but will not have elected members to represent those who will need to pay this money back through their water bills. This is very undemocratic.
Auckland is proposed to come under "Entity A" which will also be responsible for all of the infrastructure in Whangārei, Kaipara and the Far North. Aucklanders will therefore likley need to contribute to funding new infrastructure further North.
Auckland Council has identified a large list of concerns with the proposal, including many assumptions by the Government that are incorrect, including financial. For more info, see this memo sent to local boards: www.johngillon.co.nz...
On Wednesday, the Kaipatiki Local Board called on Auckland Council to REJECT AND OPT OUT of the Three Waters Reform proposal.
There are many problems with the Three Waters proposal, but the main ones are:
* The removal of ratepayer-owned water and wastewater assets from council control,
* The possible removal of stormwater infrastructure from council control (including portions of associated parks, such as streams, ponds and dryponds used as sportsfields, etc),
* The lack of accountability to elected members that the new entity would have, and the undemocratic lack of local decision-making over public water assets,
* The ability to give effect to Auckland Council’s long term planning and strategies when water infrastructure is not controlled by Council,
* The focus on upgrading existing infrastructure in other parts of the Entity A region, and not ensuring a coordinated investment in growth areas of Auckland,
* Lack of clarification on the ownership of stormwater within reserves and park land where there is the opportunity to ensure multiple community outcomes, such as bio-diversity, community volunteer involvement, aesthetic values.
Councillors will be considering their feedback to the Government on Thursday 23 September.
Poll: Do you think banning gang patches is reasonable?
With the government cracking down on gangs, it is now illegal for gang members to display their insignia in public places whether through clothing or their property.
This means arrests can be made if these patches are worn in places like restaurants, shops, on public transport or ferries, and on airplanes. Arrests were made recently at a funeral.
Do you think this ban is reasonable?
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77.2% Yes
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21.2% No
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1.5% Other - I'll share below
What's your favourite recipe for courgettes?
Kia ora neighbours. If you've got a family recipe for courgettes, we'd love to see it and maybe publish it in our magazine. Send your recipe to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz, and if we use it in the mag, you will receive a free copy of our January 2025 issue.
Bokashi bucket composting workshop @ Glenfield Library
Don't miss Glenfield Library's Bokashi bucket composting workshop tomorrow, 2:00 - 3:30 PM. Make your own DIY Bokashi bucket to take home or surprise a loved one with a unique Christmas gift.
All participants get a discount voucher to use towards a composting system.
Register for the workshop via bit.ly...
This course is proudly supported by Auckland Council and delivered by the Compost Collective.