Council pulls out of LGNZ

A vote to end its membership with Local Government New Zealand will see Timaru the only council not represented by the organisation.

Timaru District councillors voted unanimously on the move as they felt LGNZ had not done enough to advocate for councils concerned about the Government’s proposed Three Waters reform.

LGNZ, which represents the country’s 77 other regional, city and district councils, provides a variety of resources, including training and workshops, with the council spending about $53,000 a year on membership fees.

During discussion at Tuesday’s council meeting, Cr Peter Burt said instead of advocating for councils, LGNZ had become ‘‘mouthpieces for the Department of Internal Affairs’’ on the water reforms.

‘‘Right from the beginning, we’ve been sold that LGNZ would be a conduit between the DIA and us. Very quickly it became clear that DIA and LGNZ were indistinguishable on this issue,’’ Burt said.

Cr Barbara Gilchrist said she was appalled the organisation had signed a memorandum of understanding with the Government over the reforms.

‘‘I fully support our leaving of membership of LGNZ. I don’t think we can trust them to represent our views,’’ Gilchrist said.

Cr Sally Parker said the organisation had ‘‘failed local government’’.

‘‘They haven’t supported us at all in the process. They’ve definitely dropped the ball,’’ Parker said.

Council chief executive Bede Carran told the meeting there was the potential of not having access to certain information and workshops.

Cr Stu Piddington said although LGNZ had ‘‘certainly got it all wrong’’ regarding the Three Waters reforms, he was ‘‘cautious’’ about what might be lost if the council withdrew.

‘‘We don’t want to throw the baby out with the bathwater here,’’ Piddington said, adding the council could send a stronglyworded letter or motion of no confidence to LGNZ outlining their concerns. Cr Steve Wills agreed with this approach.

However, Cr Burt said it was ‘‘too late’’ for that approach.

‘‘For all intents and purposes, 60 of the 67 territorial authorities are against the Three Waters reform, we will be withdrawing

for a very clear reason. If we couch it that we’re doing it for a very specific reason that would send a clear message,’’ Burt said.

After the meeting, mayor Nigel Bowen said the council had been concerned about LGNZ’s approach for some time.

‘‘They’ve appeared to be very supportive of the Government view, and we’re not comfortable with that.

‘‘When a membership organisation is not providing a balanced view of all sides of the debate, that’s a real concern,’’ Bowen said.

LGNZ president Stuart Crosby said yesterday he was ‘‘disappointed to learn of Timaru’s decision’’.

‘‘We know it has been extremely challenging for councils as they grapple with the complexity of the Three Waters reform proposal, and the implications for their operations.

‘‘We have supported our members with extensive expert and technical advice and to create direct channels for feedback to central government on the reforms,’’ Crosby said.

‘‘At this stage, the Three Waters proposal is the only option on the table. LGNZ will continue to highlight its critical flaws and advocate for solutions that are both workable and beneficial.’’