It was with interest that I listened to the Prime Minister and Nick Smith stating that the high rate hikes and large debts of local councils were no longer acceptable and that Central Government will be directing Local Government's to reduce the services provided. This would reduce their staff and provide less work for local contractors.
I live in the Western Bay Council region and at the turn of the century Council had little or no debt. Then Central Government directed that all septic tanks should be retired if they were close to water – Ocean, inner harbours, rivers, lakes etc. Central Government would provide a grant towards each project. Western Bay took this carrot on board.
Starting with Katikati – treatment plants and some reticulation – then Waihi Beach/Athenree – treatment plant and full reticulation – on to Omokoroa – reticulation from Settler's Hall to the Point with a pipeline taking the untreated wastewater to join into the TCC reticulation at Bethlehem.
Finally to Maketu/Little Waihi at present under construction. Now 12 years later Council, despite the Central Government grants, is $140,000,000 in debt and there are still some smaller projects being considered.
So now Central Government says we have to reign in our debt and cut services. Who directed us down this path and has there been any improvement to the water quality in the inner harbour etc?
A Council in Northland (I am told by an engineer who worked there) disputed the data backing up the retirement of septic tanks and commissioned an independent report on causes of pollution in their area. The report concluded that 90% of pollution was caused by farm runoff so they concentrated on farms.
I attended meetings at which Environment BOP presented figures which in their opinion were not acceptable but with all this outlay by Council and by property owners who have initially had to pay for connection to the reticulation and now are saddled with $1,000 additional rates whether it is a holiday bach or fully occupied, no figures have been presented proving that the water quality has been improved.
I know what is done is done, but I would hope that Council in future will investigate fully whatever directive Central Government comes up with.

Peter Turner, Te Puna.