Ashburton Mayor Neil Brown was among mayors from across New Zealand to welcome the repeal of Three Waters yesterday.

Members of Communities 4 Local Democracy He Hapori mō te Manapori (C4LD) were in Wellington to celebrate the legislation to repeal Three Waters being introduced to parliament.

Ashburton District Council is a member of C4LD and Mayor Brown said replacement legislation would ensure Councils meet water standards and consistently invest in their assets – something that had been historically done well in Mid Canterbury over the decades.

C4LD Co-chairs Waimakariri Mayor Dan Gordon and Manawatu Mayor Helen Worboys were in the Speaker's gallery yesterday to hear the introduction of the repeal bill.

Mayor Dan Gordon says the member councils were thrilled the new government had delivered on their campaign promise to repeal the unpopular reform.

“The coalition Government all campaigned on repealing Three Waters, and they got elected on a mandate that opposed centralisation and the forced removal of community water assets.

“C4LD put forward a community-led, commonsense alternative for water reform that sees higher standards delivered throughout the country while making sure local community have control and say over their assets. We welcome working with the new government on this model.”

Co-Chair Manawatu District Mayor Helen Worboys was delighted the Government had finally listened to communities.

“I can’t remember a reform proposal this unpopular and flawed. We welcome the opportunity to take the reins on behalf of our communities and put in place locally-led solutions.

“'Local Water Done Well' continues the work done by C4LD. It protects community property rights in their water assets, recognises that different areas are in different positions, and it encourages regional collaboration to address these differing needs.

“This is a model that can work for all communities around New Zealand.”

As part of its advocacy work, C4LD developed a detailed alternative plan for reform that would deliver the necessary infrastructure investment while respecting community property rights.

Communities 4 Local Democracy has published all its work on future models of water reform. They can be accessed at communities4localdemocracy.co.nz/ideas