Despite strong, negative public reaction in more than 88,000 submissions on the controversial topic of co-governance, a deaf ear has been turned to the public feedback on Three Waters reform.
As they have voiced in the past, National and Act have opposed the implementation of co-governance as it pertained to the water entities.
National’s statement included its recognition of the “role of mana whenua as a group … with some interests in specific cultural assets”, but considered co-governance unjustified.
“[T]here has never been a clear justification from the Government for the inclusion of co-governance of public services, which represents a significant departure from existing policy.”
This was echoed in Act’s statement, which claimed Mahuta had not explained the need for co-governance.
“… Mahuta, who is responsible for this bill, is unable to justify why it is necessary for mana whenua to get more of a say than other parts of the community when it comes to the four new water services entities.”
NZ Herald
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