Water Pressure Group NetNews

Hon Margaret Wilson

Attorney General Media Statement                                                                                                                                       

Wednesday, 26 June 20
 

Water Pressure Group request to Attorney General

The Water Pressure Group (Auckland) has requested the Attorney General seek an Injunction against Watercare Services to stop Waikato River water being used in Auckland on the grounds that it would amount to a public nuisance.

Attorney General Margaret Wilson will not be seeking such an injunction.

To intervene in an issue such as this would be most unusual. Such proceedings would only be brought by the Attorney General it it was considered necessary to do so, in the public interest, to make sure the law was observed. There is no good reason to intervene where other officials have legal responsibilities and there is nothing to suggest that they are not performing their duties.

In its approach to the Attorney General, The Water Pressure Group has not presented a compelling legal case for intervention.

The responsibility for the protection of public health lies with the Ministry of Health and District Health Boards. Local authorities also have public health responsibilities.

The Attorney General said, "I have been advised by the appropriate health authorities that all current safety standards have been met, and that they will closely monitor the situation to ensure those standards continue to be complied with."