Canterbury mayors disappointed by submission timeframe
The Canterbury Mayoral Forum says they are disappointed by the inadequate timeframe given to provide submissions on the Natural and Built Environment Bill and the Spatial Planning Bill.
The process proposes to transfer delivery of three waters services from local authorities to four public entities across New Zealand.
The Forum says it has taken the step because of the serious concerns it has about the current decision-making timeframe.
“The Mayoral Forum urges the pause to come into effect now and remain in place until the new service regulator Taumata Arowai is properly established, there is clarity about the proposed Economic Regulator, and the standards and approach from each is clearly understood. We believe this is essential in order to properly and authentically engage with our communities on this incredibly important decision”, says Chair of the Canterbury Mayoral Forum, Mayor Sam Broughton.
The Forum says it acknowledges that the reform process is being undertaken at the same time as other significant reform processes, including a review into the future for local government.
It says a pause in the three waters reform process would allow more time to consider the kind of three waters model that might best support the future of local government.
