An argument over water

Over many years I have attempted to draw the attention of Hamilton councillors to an inevitable water crisis. A water crisis being created by the acceleration of global warming, a growing population that relies on accessing water from a single source, one processing plant, and the inadequate broken-down distribution and conservation system. The Waikato River that flows through one of the most volcanically active regions in NZ. A river that has previously changed course from flowing into the sea at the Firth of Thames to its current outlet at Port Waikato.

In addition, every town and village from Taupo¯ to Port Waikato, including Hamilton, accesses their freshwater from it and spills dirty water into it on its journey towards the sea. I have offered a solution to this increasingly serious water problem. Not one person has ever challenged my contentions or my suggested solutions or disputed my claim of an accompanying cost-benefit. Clearly, their approach continues to be, relegate it to the too-hard basket, put their heads in the sand, and ‘‘not on my watch’’. Even more frustrating is the fact the CEO Richard Briggs and his water manager recognise the seriousness of the problems but have been unable to move council to address them. My illusion that finally, we had gathered a few creative thinkers amongst our newly elected councillors was unfounded. Clearly, our water problems are not confined to Hamilton but extend throughout New Zealand. However, the city is in a position to lead NZ out of our water problems, if only we had the leadership to do it.

Are us Kiwis no longer capable of producing the creative thinkers that we were once famous for? Finally, where are all our, so-called, investigative reporters? Are the media no longer allowed to deploy or employ them?

Brian Main

Hamilton