Water Pressure Group NetNews

Back to News Page
Home

The Water Pressure Group

Newsletter December 1999

The fight to dump Metrowater Ltd hots up!
It's time to stand up and be counted!!!
Metrowater Ltd have sent a very heavy letter to about 24 longterm
wastewater bill boycotters, threatening to "permanently disconnect" them if
their outstanding bills are not paid by  9 / 10 December.
Meanwhile more recent boycotters are being restricted and disconnected.
NOTHING HAS CHANGED!

The most staunch Water Pressure Group members have been maintaining the
wastewater boycott for up to two years.  In many cases since this campaign
began,  Metrowater has tampered with the water supply, and removed
fittings, water meters and even pipes from the mains.  The Water Pressure
Group has always been adamant - we will not tolerate the disconnection of
water - especially when it has been paid for!  The "turn-on" squad, does a
marvellous job, making sure that people have are not deprived of their most
essential  public services.
It is Metrowater who have gone to the High Court, seeking a declaratory
judgement on their right to charge for wastewater. The matter remains in
dispute - status quo should maintain.

Now, against the wishes of the Dept of Health, Metrowater's form letter of
26 November includes reckless threats and statements in their desperate bid
to end the boycott.
We are fast losing patience with Metrowater's heavy-handed,  arrogant
approach.  It appears that the only thing that they understand is direct
action and civil disobedience.
We have contacted everyone who we know has received this letter, and the
following Water Pressure Group members need and deserve your utmost
support.  For your information,  we have included in this newsletter,
a copy of the letter sent by Metrowater and a standard prototype reply.
 

DEFEND THE PEOPLE'S RIGHT TO WATER

Please make time on Thursday 9 December, or Friday 10 December, between 7am
and 6pm, to spend a couple of hours standing on or around the meter of the
person on the list who lives closest to you. Ring them and let them know
when you can be there, and offer whatever support you can.
Recruit friends/ family/ workmates who feel strongly about this issue and
would have time to stand up and be counted and support these people?
We need a minimum of 2 people (one for a witness) at any one time, there is
no maximum!  The more the merrier!
What a great way to get to know your neighbours as you stick together
to defend the supply of our most essential public service!
For  information of listed people phone the Defence Team Hotlines
570 1495      626 2777
____________________________

THE WATER REVIEW???  WHAT'S HAPPENED TO IT??

Water Pressure Group members watched as 2 Councillors of 11 on Auckland
City's Investment and City Works Committees, turned up on November 11 in
time to rubber stamp the launch of the Review of Auckland Water and
Wastewater "Industry".

Shipley announced in July that central government's long term review of
water, wastewater and stormwater would be handed over to local bodies.  So
a behind -closed - doors process for the next 8 months has started for the
whole country, separately but coordinated, for the Auckland Region covering
the 7 local bodies from Franklin to Rodney to 'achieve buy-in' for 'options
on water funding and service delivery including corporatisation, user-pays
wastewater, structural re-organisation , (like the electricity industry!)

A public submission process - not a vote - is planned "once a recommended
solution has been found" - immediately before draft legislation goes to the
government in 2001.
The `key stakeholders' on the other hand, who "must be actively and
cooperatively involved" - comprise all those 'industry' providers who
regard our water services as their business.

The clear intention is that this massive restructuring will proceed with no
hindrance from 'the customers'.  The Water Pressure Group will act as a
watchdog and work to build active solidarity with residents in the other 6
Council areas in the Auckland region, other parts of the country, and with
water workers locally and nationally.

Manukau City Council has already announced that it is seeking a High Court
interpretation that will allow them to start user pays charging for
wastewater without setting up a Local Authority Trading Enterprise
(L.A.T.E.) like Metrowater. And today it was reported in the Herald that
Waitakere wants to do the same!
___________________________

PUBLIC MEETING IN MANUKAU TO OPPOSE USER PAYS FOR WASTEWATER SERVICES!

 
Wednesday 15 December              7.30pm
Te Puke Otara Recreational Centre (Otara Shopping car park)

Help to build the fightback!  User pays charging is not "fairer".  Under
user pays charging those with the highest value properties get huge rates
reductions and those who need to use more water
(particularly low income large families) can't afford to use the most
essential of all public services - water.  User pays is the biggest 'new
right' con trick to ever hit the NZ public!  Don't be sucked in!!!
Organised by the Water Pressure Group. Please urge
all Manukau residents you know to attend this vital meeting.
 

For further details Ph 267 8917, 634 0801 or 828 0238

_____________________________

The Water Pressure Group  Annual Picnic

Pt Chev Beach Reserve
Far end of Point Chevalier Rd
Sunday  19 December from 2pm
BYO food and drinks  (BBQs provided)
Bring the family and friends!
(Alternative venue if wet - 23 Bancroft Avenue,  Glendene)
Listen to NewstalkZB for details.
 
 

FUNDRAISING GARAGE SALE!!!

We are still collecting items for our garage sale.
We need money for leaflets and court costs.
Items are being stored at 393 Neilson Street Onehunga.
The garage sale has been postponed until late January, so we have plenty of
time to gather all those items from all the spring cleaning!!!
 

WAITAKERE CITY MEETING

The Water Pressure Group will be organising a public meeting in Waitakere
soon in December - can you help to organise??
 

DONATIONS URGENTLY NEEDED !!!!!!!!!!!