May 25, 2007

Media Release (For Immediate Release)

Water Is A Precious (And Public) Resource

Water is the most fundamental of human necessities and, as such, must remain under direct public control.

That is the view of Waitakere City councillor Penny Hulse, commenting on news that a parliamentary committee is looking into dealings between Auckland City Council, its water company Metrowater and the region’s bulk water supplier, Watercare.

This follows revelations that Auckland City ratepayers face water price increases of up to $400 in order to subsidise a general rates increase.

In Waitakere, the price that residents pay for water has remained constant for six years (since 2001) and no increase is forecast in the 2006-2016 Long Term Council Community Plan.

“Of course there are huge costs associated with getting clean, drinkable water to people- and taking wastewater away- but in Waitakere our fundamental belief is that water is a basic human right and shouldn’t be used to turn a profit,” says Mrs Hulse, who is chair of the Council’s City Development Committee.

“There should be no cross-subsidy between water and rates. Water is a basic necessity and shouldn’t be used as a tool to off-set rates. When you turn on a tap you expect to pay for the water- not for the local library, park or footpath.”

Mrs Hulse also says that the current review of governance in the Auckland region has raised questions about the future and role of Watercare. “This Council’s bottom line is that there should be a clear split between Watercare as a wholesaler and local authorities as retailers/customers. That way there is public accountability and control over the resource.”

She adds that Waitakere has resolved that any proposals to change governance in the region and through that the structure of Watercare must be fully consulted on with the public for a minimum of eight weeks.

*In the 2007-2008 financial year (starting July 1), Waitakere City will pay just over $7.2 million to Watercare for water.

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