Three waters legislation – have your say

Despite ongoing opposition, the government is pressing ahead with its three waters reforms. This month, you have the opportunity to tell the government what you think about its plans and I urge you to do so. Along with my fellow mayors, I have consistently voiced my concerns about the reforms and have asked the government to reconsider its plans. As you know, its goal is to amalgamate all water, stormwater and wastewater infrastructure assets owned by New Zealand ratepayers into four giant water entities.

While we all agree that New Zealand needs to change the way three waters assets are operated, we are opposed to several aspects of the reforms, particularly the drive to centralise decision making. I believe that creating four mega water entities will remove your ability to have a say on how these assets are operated. It takes the ‘local’ out of local government.

We will continue to fight for changes on your behalf through groups such as Communities 4 Local Democracy He hapori mō te Manapori. I urge anyone who feels strongly about the proposals to tell the government how you feel.

The Water Services Entities Bill is a key piece of legislation required to establish the new system of national water services. It was introduced to Parliament in June and is now being considered by the Finance and Expenditure Select Committee. The committee, which is made up of MPs appointed from different parties, is tasked with considering the proposed legislation in depth. That includes inviting submissions from the public before it then recommends to Parliament any changes to the legislation.  

There is just two weeks before submissions close on 22 July and the bill goes to its second reading. The easiest ways to have your say is to make a submission online via the Parliamentary website, or you can email or write to the select committee. Step-by-step guidance on making a submission can be found on the www.parliament.nz website. It is easier than you might think. You can comment on as much or as little of the proposed bill as you like. You can tell the committee what you like, or don’t like about bill, and you can suggest what you’d prefer instead. However, you can only submit on the Water Services Entities Bill. The committee will not consider wider matters related to the three waters reforms.

The government’s reform agenda is a huge challenge for local government, particularly rural and provincial councils. Three waters reforms are just one aspect. There are also Resource Management Act reforms, the Future for Local Government Review, climate change, the October local body elections and much more, demanding our attention and input. This at a time when skilled council staff are being lured to government departments, creating a massive skills gap across the sector. Last month, Local Government NZ asked the government to slow down its reforms.

Making a submission on the Water Services Entities Bill is one way you can assist. It will help to ensure our voice is heard. Please help us to help you and have your say.