Category: Local Government
As it stands the Three Waters proposal is irrational from every perspective, but one. The only rational reason for this deeply flawed upheaval is to use it as a smokescreen to pass ownership and control of water to Maori tribal interests. The Government has no mandate for that course of action – it is completely unacceptable.
What other councils do around New Zealand is up to them however engagement with all ratepayers and a public referendum in every district would allow our residents and ratepayers who have along with their families over generations paid for these three water assets to make the decision to opt in or out.
My first reaction to the "compelling" financial benefits claimed by Minister Mahuta was scepticism, for two reasons. First, the figures seem too good to be true. And second, as someone familiar with discounted cash flow analysis, I'm aware that minor "adjustment" to an underlying assumption can result in a significantly different result - the difference between a favourable or unfavourable recommendation.
New Zealand is at a crossroads. If Kiwis don’t proactively back a colour-blind future - united by what we have in common instead of divided by our differences - then that small group of radical extremists, who already have their hands on the levers of power, will replace democracy with tribal rule.
Here is our Three Waters flyer to urge the public to call for a referendum, so ratepayers can decide whether community water services and assets should be transferred to the Government's iwi-controlled water authorities.
As a representative democracy founded on the principle of equal rights, it is abhorrent that Labour is destroying that culture through the 50:50 co-governance requirement of the Three Waters proposal. Imposed without warning or electoral mandate, the total upheaval of water services in New Zealand - designed to deliver control to Maori - is He Puapua in action.
My view is that because of the implications of transferring over a quarter of Council’s total assets at below valuation there is only one safe road to take. I will be advocating for a binding referendum to go out to the people of Westland seeking direction on in or out. It’s called democracy.
All councils should urgently hold a binding referendum of the residents and ratepayers they were elected to represent, to ask whether they want their assets transferred to central government without compensation, so control of water can be passed to iwi.
I have been asked by number of journalists to comment on the proposed 3 water changes. I haven't done so at this stage because to explain my view needs time. This is my journey with three waters so far.
It is time to put an end to deceptive politicians being able to abuse their positions of power by delivering something they did not promise when soliciting public support on the campaign trail. This kind of political dishonesty should never be allowed in New Zealand and should not be tolerated.
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