I have a suggestion for the Minister of Local Government Nanaia Mahuta. Give up on the Three Waters debacle – an overwhelming number of New Zealanders are happy with the water they drink, water that they have, through their local councils, paid for themselves.

I'm sure they all resent the thought of it being snatched from them. Taking over all Local Government water management would be a herculean task, impossible by any government body –no matter what Minister Mahuta's advisers say. No need to apologise, just realise it can't be done.

Instead, I think you should take over building consents and inspections. Most councils will give you that for nothing, and ratepayers are sick of having to pay for every leaky building that becomes apparent as soon as the developer liquidates his business.

Dan Russell, Welcome Bay.