The Local Government Association is opposing the loss of the Three Waters (drinking water, stormwater, waste water) assets proposed by government.

This is the most radical reform proposal ever being thrust upon local government. The issue is about the billions of dollars of assets that have been paid for by ratepayers over generations, being transferred to one of four gigantic regions - four gigantic entities throughout New Zealand.

Local government will have only 50 per cent influence in decision making in the body that will select the board to oversee the selection of the final board, who will then be responsible for decisions made. The other 50 per cent will be represented by iwi, with 75 per cent required for decisions.

The reason for the change is supposed to be Hastings, where people actually died from drinking tainted water, but since then Hastings has spent $80 million upgrading their system.

We are all critical of the misleading government advertising of our Three Waters, which totally undermines the good work councils do.

In the Western Bay, Three Waters are in sound condition, and how much influence will any council have on such huge entities? Slowing the process down - especially with all the other local government reforms proposed - is sensible.

Margaret Murray-Benge, Bethlehem.