The New Zealand Taxpayers’ Union is calling on councils who have voted to oppose Three Waters to join the formal coalition of councils fighting the reforms.

Union spokesman Louis Houlbrooke says, “After dozens of councillors and mayors across the country spoke up for local democracy at our Stop Three Waters roadshow, it’s gratifying to see increasing numbers of councils vote to reject Nanaia Mahuta’s asset grab. But they need to back up their words and their votes with action.”

“It’s not enough for councils like Taupo District and Rotorua Lakes to signal their opposition by simply passing a motion at the council table. They need to step up and join the fight – the obvious way of doing that is by joining Communities 4 Local Democracy, the formal coalition of councils that are currently devoting time and resources to protecting local control of waters services.”

“As it stands, councils that oppose Three Waters but opt not to join the coalition risk looking like scabs – they’re freeloading off the campaign efforts of neighbouring councils. It’s time for them to do their bit.”

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