Grey District Mayor, Tania Gibson, has thrown her support behind the proposed consensus pathway signalled by the Mayors of Auckland and Christchurch City Councils.
“As a member of C4LD, this is what we have been advocating during this ongoing struggle with the Government to find an appropriate solution to the thorny question of three waters,” said Mayor Gibson (pictured).
The new proposal would maintain crucial aspects of central government’s existing plan, including the new water regulator, Taumata Arowai, while maintaining local ownership, control and accountability, and allowing for meaningful roles for mana whenua, she said.
“Three waters argument has divided local government and this proposal may bring us together collaboratively,” said the Mayor.
Under the plan, Regional Water Organisations (RWOs), which would be unable to be sold outside local authority ownership, would have access to investment capital through a new Water Infrastructure Fund (WIF), administered by central government’s own Crown Infrastructure Partners (CIPs), best known for its successful roll-out of ultra-fast broadband.
“It’s hard to ignore the two largest cities in New Zealand, and I really hope our Government are listening,” said Mayor Gibson.
