The Central Government’s Three Waters reforms have been front of mind for Council, and a hot topic across communities for the last 2 years.

If you’ve been following the Reforms, chances are you have formed your own opinion on them and you may well be frustrated that to date nobody has asked you what you think.

That time has finally come, and you now have the opportunity to make your voice heard.

The Select Committee has called for submissions on the Water Services Entities Bill, which establishes the four Water Services Entities to manage the future delivery of drinking water, stormwater and wastewater services. Services that are currently managed by 67 local authorities throughout the country. Submissions close on 22 July. This will be the main, and possibly only, opportunity for people to have their say on the Bill.

Council has been critical of these reforms to date and has consistently taken every formal, as well as informal, opportunity to express its disappointment in the process undertaken by Central Government. You can read our earlier letter of feedback to Central Government dated 29 September 2021 on our website.

We support the need for improved regulation, a strong strategic framework and the establishment of Taumata Arowai which will work towards the key outcomes of better three waters services across Aotearoa New Zealand. Much like other councils, we accept that change is necessary, but we don’t agree that the Central Government’s proposed model is the best solution.

We are committed to working with Central Government to find a way forward that delivers the best outcomes for our local communities.

We are taking this opportunity to have our say again, and make a submission on the Bill. We will share our full submission on our website, stratford.govt.nz prior to 22 July 2022. Our main concerns are listed below.

Stratford District Council’s concerns on the Three Waters Reforms:

• SDC believes Central Government has not demonstrated leadership and transparency in the delivery of this reform programme.
• SDC feels that Central Government has denied New Zealanders the chance of meaningful engagement on these reforms.
• SDC strongly opposes Central Government mandating the proposed Entity based model for water services delivery and our biggest frustration is that, despite promises to the contrary at the beginning of this reform process, neither Council nor the community have been given the choice to opt out of the proposed reforms.
• SDC believes Central Government has shared only biased communication on the reform, focusing solely on drinking water and providing little to no opportunity for debate around wastewater or stormwater services, which are both equally as important.
• SDC does not agree with the proposed ownership and governance arrangements, along with the number and size of the water entities contained in the reforms.
• SDC is concerned about the impact on Council’s balance sheet. If water infrastructure assets are removed completely from Council, it is questionable whether our Council can stay economically viable post the reforms. This makes us wonder whether this is the start of council amalgamations by stealth.
• SDC is concerned that the legislation does not address pricing arrangements across the water entities and as it stands would allow for prices to differ from area to area, which could be crippling for smaller communities like ours.

Is there any point in making a submission?

Yes. Through the ongoing efforts of staff and elected members, we have seen some changes to the government’s original proposal. As a result of widespread opposition to a number of elements of the reforms, three ministerial working groups were set up to further investigate and recommend alternatives to specific aspects of the reforms. The majority of the recommendations have been included within the bill.

What can you do?

You need to do more than voice your opinion at the pub, to your friends or on social media. Even if you have told council staff or a councillor your views, if you want to be heard and make a difference you need to visit the Parliament website and have your say.

Submissions can be made online here https://www.parliament.nz/en/pb/sc/make-a-submission/document/53SCFE_SCF_BILL_124081/water-services-entities-bill by 22 July 2022.

More information about the Three Waters Reforms can be found on our website: https://www.stratford.govt.nz/our-services/water/three-waters-reform

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