Response to Auckland and Christchurch Proposal for Three Waters

Communities 4 Local Democracy (C4LD) He hapori mō te Manapori respond to Auckland and Christchurch Mayors Proposal for Three Waters

C4LD Chair and Manawatu District Mayor Helen Worboys says the announcement today picks up the majority of the common-sense recommendations made by C4LD.

“It’s been well documented that this mandated central government led reform has serious flaws. C4LD has been pushing for a better reform outcome, built on the knowledge of sector expects, for years and it’s great to have the two biggest cities in New Zealand on board seeking better reform outcomes for communities across Aotearoa too.

“Across the sector we all agree the mandated central model is flawed, we all oppose it, we know it will be a bureaucratic nightmare, and that it’s simply unsuitable for New Zealand. I call on the Mayors of New Zealand to stand up, be heard and get behind this proposal as a viable and realistic alternative.

“People want a better form of reform that respects the decades of investment made by local communities and enables them to preserve a real say in how their money is spent in the future. The support given to candidates who shared this view in the local government elections was evidence of this. This proposal is one way to achieve that. Let’s build on the good work that has been done and work together in consensus going forward.”