It’s time for everyone to demand better three waters reform, and reject the Government’s one size fits none plan, says Communities 4 Local Democracy He Hapori mō te Manapori.
The public currently have their one and only opportunity to have their say on the water reforms through the Parliament’s Select Committee process and it’s important that they don’t miss the opportunity.
Waipā District Mayor Jim Mylchreest said the Waipā community held strong views on the Three Water Reform and needed to share those thoughts now.
“Along with myself and some of my fellow elected members, the wider Waipā community has indicated their strong opposition to the reforms in their current format so now’s the time to speak up and share their thoughts on that,” Mylchreest said.
“We want our local voices heard in Wellington, so if you don’t want to see future water services that are ‘all pay, no say’, this is your opportunity to stand up and be counted.”
“Anyone can have their say until 22 July so there is a tight window of opportunity but I know our community will step up to the task and share their views on the Demand Better website, demandbetter.nz.”
Manawatu District Mayor and C4LD Chair Helen Worboys said that they had been approached by many people unhappy with what was being suggested, now it was time for everyone to take action.
“This is the only chance that you will get to have any say whatsoever on what happens to our district’s infrastructure,” she said.
“We need to deliver a strong message to the Government that people want a better form of reform that respects the decades of investment by local communities and enables them to preserve a real say in how their money is spent in future.
“Through Communities 4 Local Democracy He Hapori mō te Manapori we’ve developed a common-sense model for reform that everyone can get behind and that delivers every outcome sought by the Government.
“We’ve worked hard to create a model for reform that will ensure better long-term water services for every community, now it’s time for our communities to take a few minutes and demand better water reform.
“We’re also calling on the Government to ensure that local communities are heard by making sure that the select committee meetings aren’t heard solely in Wellington, so when you have the option of speaking in person it’s important to take that opportunity."
Submissions are now being accepted on the Water Services Entities Bill at: www.parliament.nz/water-services-entities-bill
For guidance on how your submission can support the C4LD work to deliver better water reform, visit www.demandbetter.nz or https://www.communities4localdemocracy.co.nz/deman....
