It was a conflict of interest for Minister Mahuta to decide on council commissioners versus democracy and she should have removed herself from that process. She plans to force Three Waters law on the country despite widespread opposition from elected councils and their ratepayers.

Hand-picking commissioners under her Government's direct employ will ensure obedient cooperation with Three Waters and will remove one council, representing the country's fourth largest city, from those who might oppose her plan.

J Laven-Butler, Tauranga City.