Opinion: Is the Gov’t listening to the South’s Three Waters concerns?

There’s no doubt that the Government’s hugely unpopular Three Waters legislation will hit local ratepayers in the back pocket, but is the Government really listening to our concerns?

Water services are currently provided by local councils, but under Three Waters will transfer to four new mega entities.

People tell me they are wary of the excessive costs and the loss of local control of their water assets under this new regime.

Both of our councils have recently prepared submissions, on the Water Services Legislation Bill, reflecting these concerns.

The Southland District Council says that in its current form the Government’s Three Waters legislation will unavoidably result in rates increases.

The Invercargill City Council agrees and says waters services should remain in local control.

But is the Government really listening?

Despite the tide of public concern around Three Waters, Labour seems intent on forging ahead, recently appointing three highly paid chief executives for its new mega water entities.

How then can our councils and ratepayers be assured that their concerns around Three Waters are being heard, when the recruitment process for these new roles happened before public submissions have been heard, or the final legislation gone through Parliament.

To me this reflects an arrogance from Government and virtually renders the submission process futile, with the Three Waters regime apparently set to happen at all costs.

A National Government will repeal Three Waters and work with councils to create an enduring solution.

Published by arrangement.