Letters to the editor: Three Waters reforms will not serve Tauranga well

Local Government Minister Nanaia Mahuta is leading Three Waters reform. Photo / NZME

The Government's recent announcement, in regard to changes for wastewater, stormwater and fresh water and known as the Three Waters reforms will not serve Tauranga well.

While some investing in Three Waters infrastructure has begun later than what it should, such as the Waiari water treatment scheme, our facilities are generally ahead of many other communities and if we were to opt into this scheme, which I understand we can either stay in or opt out, I believe that we would be disadvantaged.

The Government's statement that unless these reforms proceed, ratepayers will face large rate rises just does not seem to correspond with the next statement that Three Waters require an investment over the next 30 years of $185 billion.

An investment of this magnitude would naturally result in huge loan and interest repayments.

Since when have any major reforms cost less? Most end up costing more.

Communities such as Tauranga, with three quality freshwater treatment plants and good wastewater systems, along with relatively new underground infrastructure, will not require the same investment as many other communities, which will mean that we will be forced to pay for their upgrades as well.

I am also concerned as to who decides to opt in or stay out because if it's our commissioners, the decision has been taken away from the ratepayers - who will be the ones paying.

Mike Baker
Bethlehem

Please explain, Tolley/

Through your paper I would like to ask Tauranga City Council's chief commissioner, Anne Tolley, to explain in more detail the comments she made to the report from the Tauranga Ratepayers Alliance meeting on Tuesday night.

The statement as reported in today's BOP Times is:

"Commission chairwoman Anne Tolley told the Bay of Plenty Times the Long-term Plan delivered $1.9 billion of transport initiatives to encourage a mode shift from private vehicles to public transport, cycling and walking, and to help people move around the city and improve connections.

"That mode change will also have a major impact on carbon emissions."

The plan includes a $2.5b investment in the infrastructure needed to open up new areas for housing development and accommodate more homes within our existing city footprint, she said.

"Over time, those investments will contribute to both housing availability and affordability."

"Tolley said the 2021/22 rates for the median property in Tauranga will be less than those for the median property in the Western Bay of Plenty. "

Can she compare with Auckland and provide a more meaningful comparison?

Philip Brown
Pāpāmoa

Roads, footpaths not for bins

Again, we see the pointed-out pitfalls of our council's ill-conceived rubbish bin system proving to be correct.

If people haven't enough room outside their place to put bins, put them on the road.

Also, footpaths are not for rubbish bins, and I believe it is an offence to obstruct a footpath, so flip the lids of the bins backwards and put the glass and food bins inside the big bins to save space.

I am sure that will annoy the council and that will with a bit of luck give it the message it has annoyed us.

Graham Holloway
Gate Pa

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