Opinion: ‘Want best deal for city, I don’t support current reform plan,’ says Mayor

As part of our formal decision-making process Councillors are obliged to keep an open mind on all matters – including the vexed issue of Three Waters Reform.  I am certainly keen to hear community views and I know other Councillors are as well I hope people will take some time to consider this issue and think about some solutions to the big challenges we face.

I’m often asked about why reform is necessary for Hamilton and it is true that in our city, we have very good water quality. Our wastewater is generally good but even we have had issues that have caused pollution to flow into the Waikato River. In a few instances the Waikato Regional Council has prosecuted us  because they are responsible for the enforcement of water standards.

Other Councils have had many more issues. We should not forget that a few years ago people died or got very sick in Havelock North from drinking water. Since December 2021, there have been more 40 “Boil Your Water” notices up and down the country, meaning water coming out of the tap is simply dangerous to drink.  That is just not acceptable, in my view.

In big cities like Auckland and Wellington, there have been major issues with stormwater and wastewater, including pipes erupting and pollution pouring into the sea.

In Hamilton, our issue is less about contamination; it is about the huge costs coming our way for future water services. To build new home or business, we must create more water connections. In the older parts of our city, we need to renew, and upgrade broken or too small water pipes to better service our community. This all costs money – a lot of money.  Future costs are simply unaffordable for ratepayers. Something must change.

At the end of the day, Councillors are required to keep an open mind about providing cost effective and safe water services into the future.  I think part of our role is also providing correct information to help inform people’s thinking. 

I personally have used my website and my social media networks to circulate useful information over the past year-and-a half. I’ve spoken to anyone who has asked me to about reform, and I’ve been happy to do so. 

Now Council is circulating additional information with the consultation material.  I, like all my colleagues, am disappointed with the short period of time provide by Government for this. But we must do the best we can to inform and gather views from a wide range of the community.  I am confident we will get a strong response, with a range of view shared. I also remind people that the public can also submit to the Select Committee directly. I encourage them to do so.

What you say WILL be reflected in our submission to the Select Committee. It’s my job to convey the majority view of Council, and the views of the community, and that’s what I’ll do.