Should water and wastewater services be opened up to private competition?

Photo / Duncan Brown, Hawkes Bay Today

The Government is planning to make it easier for private companies to take over water and wastewater services from councils.

Local Government Minister and Act leader Rodney Hide yesterday said "flexibility in delivery of water services" was part of changes to the Local Government Act 2002.

The Government wants to extend the 15-year limit on water-service contracts to 35 years and allow companies to build, own and operate new water and wastewater treatment plants during the contract period.

Should water and wastewater services be opened up to private competition? Here is the latest selection of Your Views: