While there’s a clear case for change in our Three Waters sector the Government’s plan isn’t compelling, and the model
of four regional entities comes with several problems, National’s Water spokesperson Simon Bridges says.
“The problems with Three Waters are complex, National recognises that, and we understand the need for change. But the
proposed solution will end up with more problems than solutions.
“The benefits of scale are not convincing. Water services are not like the power grid – they are individual assets that
are distanced and difficult to network. Yet the whole premise of four water entities assumes significant scale benefits.
“The result will be large service organisations that won’t work together or create any savings. The last thing New
Zealanders need is more bloated bureaucracies.
“We have yet to see a thorough implementation plan. How will the water assets of communities like Kaikōura and Bluff,
some 800km apart, be practically networked and merged into one entity?
“Ratepayers face losing local control of the assets they’ve paid for over generations, while being asked to foot the
bill for poorer-performing neighbours – all while getting no guarantee that the service will materially improve,” Mr
Bridges says.
Local Government spokesperson Christopher Luxon says meanwhile the Government’s relationship with councils is
unravelling by the day.
“Local Government Minister Nanaia Mahuta’s officials have been busy eroding any goodwill from councils, running negative
ads claiming councils are doing a bad job managing Three Waters and refusing their requests for information. Mayors and
councils say they are feeling dumped on and undermined.
“Council confidence is falling. Whangārei District Council has been the first to pull out before the programme has even
got off the ground. The mayors of Auckland, Christchurch and Napier are making the same sounds.
“The reforms were designed to be voluntary for councils but if more continue to opt-out, there is a very real risk the
Minister will make participation compulsory and force councils to surrender their water assets.
“National supports a water regulator with greater power to set and enforce standards.
“We believe we should be enhancing Three Waters capability and incentivising change where it is led locally and able to
happen organically – not mandated by the Beehive.
“These reforms are showing the same ‘we know best’ attitude and amalgamation agenda that we’ve seen from the Labour
Government in vocational education and DHBs. Change must be led by councils and communities,” Mr Luxon says.