Could water be privatised here?

[C_T_Russell]

Thankfully not anymore now that this govt has scrapped three waters.
Three waters was opening the doors to privatization.

The citizens of Wellington will be very thankful...

I'm not sure where this privatisation argument comes from to be honest - it's pretty clear in the legislation that ownership of assets and control of pricing is to be retained.

and the ability to contract out is from the Local Government act 2002 and  been around through successive governments

Contracting out of water services
117Contracts relating to provision of water services

(1)  Despite section 116, a water services entity may enter into a contract for any aspect of the operation of all or part of water services for a term not longer than 15 years.

(2)  If a water services entity enters into a contract under subsection (1), it must—

1. continue to be legally responsible for providing the water services; and
   
2. maintain ownership of the infrastructure and assets relating to the water services; and
   
3.  retain control over—
   

•  the pricing of water services; and
  
•  developing policy related to the delivery of water services.
  
  

(3)  This section does not prevent a water services entity from entering into a contract with 1 or more other water services entities if the purpose of the contract relates solely to water services.

Compare: 2002 No 84, s 136

https://www.legislation.govt.nz/bill/gov...40594.html

All I can say is this government campaigned hard on undoing Labours attempts at addressing structural issues in New Zealand -  National better have some solutions by the time the next election comes around...

The biggest issue with 3 waters was the assets were essentially taken away from council ownership and there was a provision in the clauses that meant it could be sold off if enough agreed to it.
There should have never been any provision to begin with, perhaps it is nothing to worry about, but it was enough concern for me to see that such a provision even existed.

Another issue is that some councils managed their water infrastructure well and had little to no debt.
With three waters, it would mean that those who had a good, well managed system would end up paying up more to prop up councils who managed it bad.
So if you were paying more for your water in a poorly run region, you may end up paying less, but others who paid less currently will end up paying more to prop up other regions.

Also regarding storm water, waste water etc. If you had a problem under the three waters scheme, i.e blocked storm water drain, you have to call your regional water authority which may not even be your home city. Its much better for local council to monitor and manage this.