Simon Watts: National releases plans for Three Waters | Q+A 2023

National’s local government spokesperson Simon Watts joins Q+A in studio to discuss his party’s just-released policy on Three Waters

Join Jack Tame and the Q+A team and find the answers to the questions that matter. Made with the support of NZ on Air.

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[randomcarryons]

As Kiwis living in Australia, all I can say is, who is this reporter? No blindly reading questions or looking for gotcha moments. She heard answers and expanded on them with thoughtful follow-up questions. Quite impressive after years of the Murdoch hacks.

[markstephens]

Wellington is the biggest problem in NZ when it comes to water, wonder why that is? . Could it be the highest concentration of bureaucrats in the country !? . As a Nelson rate payer I suspect we would be helping pay for Wellington's utter incompetence having been lumped in with the north island east coast including Wellington under 3 waters legislation.

[nowhereman]

Excellent communication National - well done. The interviewer continues to demand a centralised approach

[johnnyp]

Great stuff. 1st sensible interview on this topic in 5 years.

[chrismckellar]

Is seems the National haven't taken into account that major credit agencies concerns of the high debt levels that councils have, hence a central government funding and management in association with local councils on the country's 3 water systems. If National is the government, are they going loan money to local councils to maintaining their 3 water systems and if so where is National going to get the money from if they are promising tax thresholds adjustments aka tax cuts and reduce government spending and debt.

[gayledenholm]

Of course those with a brain have certainly got a handle of what cogovernance means! Only those asleep Jessica, haven't a clue.

[jtonline]

Simon Watts, packaging a return to the status quo as transformative change

[evelynbruton]

Water rates will go directly to fund water infrastructure ONLY. Other c ouncil rates will need to fund basic services I will vote on returning responsibility to local councils NOT central government. Thank you for excellent interview. Clear genuine questions and clear practical answers. Simon watts has My Vote for north shore Auckland. Get rid of undemocratic DIVISIVE favouritism. One vote one person works with fairness. Appreciate respect ful DIALOGUE. Get rid of Co Governance amplifying lack of trust between peoples

[graemelee]

Will this allow the leasing of council water services to overseas corporations. E.g similar leasing of council rubbish & recycling services to overseas owned NZ registered companies.

[paulh]

If the tax money in petrol went to fixing roads the three pot holes in my street may be able to be repaired.

[murraynorris]

At last some sense, and not a Mahoota in sight

[Nicole.]

If councils were capable of solving our water issues they would have done so by now. I prefer the government’s solution.

[ProfessionalBadPerson]

9:45 Co-Governance has been a divisive conversation you say? Huh I wonder who's fault that is!

[MrMoth]

Whats going on out there is the demand for water is increasing as the local population swells. The local councils are well aware of this and what prevents them from meeting increasing demands is the existing usage. Actioning laws that allow for greater regulation and wastage is the key and yet the problem remains unsolved.

[geecee]

Yep good clear uncluttered response, finally!

[graemelee]

My understanding is that the legalisation will allow the le

[ewanmiller]

"It needs a big picture". Such as the experiment of co-governance; an experience that is bound to fail? Some Councils have done a better job than others, and what is wrong with improving the current system for Councils that have not performed well to improve?

[ProfessionalBadPerson]

Didn't luxon admit rates would rise in another interview just a couple days ago?

[yeahdefinitely]

Correct me if I’m wrong, but what National’s proposing is that the current council-based model needs to do what they always should have done? Giving us what we’ve gotten? Well if that’s the case why didn’t National do this when they were last in power?

[codie]

Since when did National become the anti infrastructure party. Labour has my vote.