What public consultation?

Did Cabinet sign off the Three Waters mandate four days before the summary of submissions for and against was completed?

One former Mayor of Christchurch thinks so.

He claims Cabinet papers recommending the decision were signed off on October 18. Four days lates, the summary of submissions from local government were completed and sent to the minister's office.

It was never anything but a done deal, despite the promises of proper consultation, he says.

Just gives weight to the perception that all the Government decisions are made by a small group on the ninth floor of the Beehvive without any real input from outside.