Carterton District Council [CDC] will decide next week whether it will join local government action group Communities 4 Local Democracy [C4LD].
C4LD is a collective of 31 councils around New Zealand campaigning for local communities to have more of a say on three waters assets than allowed for in proposed government reforms.
Neighbouring Masterton District Council is a member.
In a report to elected members, CDC chief executive Geoff Hamilton said the council has not previously expressed a firm position on Three Waters Reforms – either for or against.
“As the reforms have progressed, and a better understanding of the impacts on council, our community, and our staff have been made clear, council has expressed a strong desire for our local voice to be heard by central government,” he said.
“Direct engagement at a Ministerial and Select Committee level has resulted in little, if any, material change to the reform programme.”
Hamilton said that, after seeking further information about participation, CDC was initially advised C4LD was no longer accepting new council memberships, pending clarity on the government’s revised position on the Three Waters Reform.
This clarity has still not been provided, and a recent follow-up with C4LD has resulted in an amendment to this position, Hamilton said.
“C4LD has advised CDC they are now willing to accept an application for council membership without payment of a membership fee.”
Usual council membership of C4LD is $15,000 per year.
In the event further substantive work is required to be commissioned – to respond to a “reset” policy from the government, for example – then C4LD may seek a financial contribution from CDC of no more than the usual membership fee.
“Management is seeking direction from council on whether they would like CDC to apply to be a member of C4LD.”
CDC next meets on Wednesday.
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