The Three Waters reforms, which have been on-going for the last 4 years or so, have really hit the consciousness of the public in the last few weeks, and that is a good thing as they are the biggest reforms local government has faced in the last 30 years.

Last Thursday was the last day for councils to provide feedback to the Government on its draft reform plan. From here, what should happen is that the feedback from all councils in New Zealand will result in a final reform proposal. 

We will then consult with the community before making the final decision on whether to opt in or out of that proposal.

I have put emphasise on the “should” because I do note that as recently as yesterday, Minister Mahuta refused to say that the government won't take the decision from us and mandate the changes. 

A lot of councils in the country have taken the feedback opportunity as an opportunity to officially opt out of the reforms. 

That is obviously their choice, but my view is that making an opt out decision on a draft proposal does not make a lot of sense as the time for making any decision is when the final proposal is in front of us.

That doesn't mean that your councillors have not made their concerns known. Councillors spoke at our meeting two weeks ago on their individual concerns and I think it fair to say the tone of the discussion, as it has been around the country, was against the draft reforms.  

That discussion is available on the council website for you to watch.

We now sit and wait for a few weeks (we’ve been told the next stage will be by the end of October) to see what the government comes out with next.  

During that time, and with the presumption that consultation will occur once we know the final model, I encourage everyone to take time to find out more about what is at stake here. 

The Central App has a button under the “Council” button which will take you to the CODC website which has all the information you will need, including 17 short video clips that make learning about this complex topic about as easy as it can be.\

Visit The Central App's Three Waters information button.