Three Waters - key points
Central Government is pushing forward despite concern from both councils and community. While Opposition parties oppose the reforms, on the current timetable, come next October (national elections), the reforms will be advanced to a stage that will be difficult for a change of Government to affect.
SWDC
There are significant details still missing from the proposal and the process. Council has questions too. Put your questions in your submissions.
SWDC has expressed concern that the current proposal may not be the only solution, nor might it be the best solution for our community.
SWDC’s other key points include:
- Three waters infrastructure is costly and there is room for improvement in regulation.
- Supports the reforms partially in principle. Council supports the creation of an independent regulator - Taumata Arowai.
- We are seeking input from the community on the Water Services Bill.
- Concern about the removal of local control over water assets and services through the current proposal.
- Staffing and financial impacts on SWDC are significant.
- Concern regarding the form and function of the current proposal.
- Concern around ownership, governance and regulation.
- Loss of local voice.
- Possible privatisation.
C4LD:
Council has joined Communities 4 Local Democracy (C4LD). C4LD represents 31 councils and 1.5 million people across the country. C4LD’s key points include:
- Support higher standards being introduced. Accepts and supports the new drinking water regulator Taumata Arowai.
- Current proposal is not the best or only solution. Actively working with experts on other models, such as a Council owned plus regulation model and a Council owned organisation where local authorities would own shares in a regional organisation.
- Loss of local control for assets communities paid for; and services delivered locally.
- Danger of privatisation.
SWDC is actively engaged in the process of reform to get the best outcome for our community, while we continue to work with C4LD on slowing the reform to look at alternatives.
C4LD's website can be accessed here.
Central Government (objectives):
To understand Central Government’s objectives and goals for three waters, please visit the Department of Internal Affairs website here: