Ashburton District Council has reinforced its strong opposition to Government’s proposed Three Waters reforms, in its submission to the Water Services Entities Bill.

The reforms would see the establishment of four public entities to take on the delivery of drinking water, wastewater and stormwater services across New Zealand from July 2023. Those services are currently provided by individual councils.

Ashburton Mayor Neil Brown and Chief Executive Hamish Riach have both signed Council’s submission and asked to speak to the Parliamentary select committee that will hear submissions.

Mayor Brown said his community had been clear about wanting to have its say on how three water services were provided.

“We are concerned that the reforms, as they are currently proposed, would mean the loss of a strong local voice. It is critical that Ashburton and Canterbury have strong and clear mechanisms to ensure local perspectives are heard and considered by the new entity.”

Under the proposed reforms, Ashburton would be part of an entity that covers most of the South Island.

Council wants to see the reform process paused for up to five years to let the new regulator Taumata Arowai settle in, and to see how readily Councils met their obligations and responsibilities.

Taumata Arowai was set up after the Havelock North to ensure communities around the country have safe and reliable drinking water, and improved delivery of waste and storm water. It took over from the Ministry of Health, who had been administering provisions in the Health Act.

Mayor Brown said Council managed 12 drinking water supply schemes in the district, and they provided water to about 70 per cent of residents.

“We are concerned about many things in this proposed reform, including the future costs of three waters services for our ratepayers and how the new entity will follow our planning and land development ambitions.

“We want to keep a level of control over water assets that we have built up and invested in wisely over the years.”

You can read Council’s submission here.