Central Leader

Friday May 7, 1999

Anti-Metrowater protesters mean business

By Vicki Poland

Anti-Metrowater protesters are calling for a boycott of some councilor’s business interests.

Water Pressure Group members picketed Councillor Gray Bartlett’s Pacific Entertainment
in Symonds St on Monday , urging people not to buy his latest CD.
“We’ve had enough of politicians’ false promises” says protester Penny Bright.
“If they make decisions that affect our lives, we’ll make decisions that affect theirs.”

The Protesters want Metrowater abolished and wastewater cost returned to rates.
150 people attended a meeting on Sunday that called for the resignations of Mayor Chris
Fletcher and councillors Bartlett, Jon Olsen, Victoria Carter, who they say have broken election
Promises.
The meeting also called for a boycott of those politicians’ business interests.

Bartlett is quite relaxed about it four our five people outside his door.
“Protest is a great thing, it’s democracy at its best. But they’re picking on the people who want
to find the best deal for the people they are worried about”

He says the recent tariff change to reduce system charges to $30 a year for water and wastewater is
fairer than a move back to rates.

Mr. Bartlett is concerned that protests are becoming personal. He has had abusive phone calls and
e-mails and feels indirect threats have been made against his family since he helped delay a decision on Metrowater.

Mrs. Fletcher, who has family connections to Fletcher Challenge, has had intimidating phone calls.
Councillors  David Hay and Doug Astley have had their water cut off during the night
 
 

Office 09 849-6060  Delivery 09 525-2022  Classified 09 525- 2100