Cr Questions Synlait and Central Plains Water Deal

Christchurch City Councillor Yani Johanson has today questioned the appropriateness of the deal between dairy company Synlait and the Central Plains Water Limited. Central Plains Water Limited is a company of the Central Plains Water Trust of which the Christchurch City Council is a key settlor.

Cr Johanson believes a number of very serious questions need to be raised in regards to the Central Plains Water issue, especially with yesterday's announcement. Who will benefit from this decision? Where is the public interest? How can it be charitable if it is in partnership with a private company? Why has the City Council been excluded from discussions?

Cr Yani Johanson:

"I am very concerned and disappointed to read about something as significant as this given the controversial circumstances surrounding the whole CPW issue without having some sort of prior discussionn between the CPW Trust and the settlors of it (eg. The Christchurch City Council)."

"It appears that this is a major departure from the purpose behind the CPW Trust which I understood was for charitable purposes for benefit of the present and future inhabitants of the Regions."

"In effect I believe it would not be unreasonable for the public to be of the view that this is commercialisation of a scheme set up as a charitable trust."

"I look forward to an urgent response to the following questions that I have asked of Central Plains Water and Council staff, including:

4. What impact does this have on the current application by CPW for a resource consent for the CPW scheme?"

"Water is a major issue for our city and our community. It is my personal view that it must be treated as a sacred resource and used wisely and strategically. As such I am very concerned about these latest developments between a charitable trust and a private company. It is important that my questions are answered so as to ensure citizens can have confidence that this is in the best interest of the people of Christchurch and Canterbury."

Yani Johanson
City Councillor

ENDS

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