Mayor urges people to submit on Water Services Entities Bill

Christchurch Mayor Lianne Dalziel says it is important that residents with concerns about the Government’s three waters reforms make submissions on the Water Services Entities Bill.

The Bill, which is currently out for public consultation, will establish four publicly owned water services entities that will take over the responsibility for providing drinking water, wastewater and stormwater services across the country.

 Local Councils have traditionally provided three water services.

 “The Water Services Entities Bill is part of a complete overhaul of the way that water services in this country are delivered. Christchurch City Council, like many Councils across the country, has significant concerns about the Government’s new model for delivering three water services,’’ says Mayor Dalziel.

“We don’t dispute that changes are required to ensure that all New Zealanders receive safe, reliable and affordable three water services that support good health and sustainable environmental outcomes.

“However, we are not convinced the delivery model the Government has settled on is the best way forward,’’ Mayor Dalziel says.

“Christchurch City Council will be putting in a detailed submission on the Water Services Entities Bill, focusing on how it can be improved, but it is important that the voices of our communities are also heard.

“If we are to affect change, it is vital that as many people and groups as possible share their views on the three waters reforms by making submissions on the Water Services Entities Bill before public consultation closes on 22 July,’’ the Mayor says.

Submissions can be made online through Parliament’s website.

Mayor Dalziel says Councillors will discuss the Council’s submission at the 7 July Council meeting.

“We will be making our submission publicly available and we will be asking the Finance and Expenditure Select Committee to hold hearings in Christchurch so they can hear directly from us and our residents.’’