Three Waters process - Statement from Mayor and Councillors

On 27 October the Minister of Local Government announced that the government’s three waters reform will proceed by way of central government mandate. That is, all councils in New Zealand and by direct inference, all of the communities they represent will now be compelled to participate in these changes. This includes all the residents of the Taupō District.

Taupō District Council has previously submitted on the 3 Waters proposal, our submission can be found here.

To be clear we agree that change is required and the case for change has been effectively and appropriately made out.

The Taupō District Council however strongly disagrees with the way the process has been conducted and the proposed model being pursued by the Minister.

We remain steadfast in our view that these changes cannot be effectively advanced without first completing the RMA changes and the ‘Future for Local Government’ review, both of which are being worked through now. It is illogical to undertake the Three Waters changes in isolation.

This is a massive step change with significant implications for everyone in New Zealand.

Despite being asked for our input it would appear neither we, nor any other councils were listened to. This is a major breach of trust and hugely disappointing. Our willingness to work with the government on the reforms at this stage has been ignored.

It is a critical element of any western democracy that the people are consulted. We are deeply concerned that this did not happen with the government’s decision.

The Taupō District Council is firm in our view that the people of the Taupō District must be taken on this journey together. Your voices must be heard.

This is an enormously complicated issue with implications for us all. We intend to push for continued engagement with the government on this matter. As such The Taupō District Council will be submitting to any subsequent select committee process on Three Waters reform.

Mayor David Trewavas states, “I urge every concerned citizen to look closely into the Three Waters issues and submit to the parliament’s select committee their views.”

In the meantime, your council is committed to doing everything to ensure service delivery is not compromised.

Taupō District Council Mayor and Councillors