All in Aotearoa should have ongoing full access to safe, affordable and reliable water services. For some whānau, no matter what the price is, any charge for this essential service will be unaffordable. To achieve the goals of this reform, legislation should embed from the get-go that no one will have their water flow restricted or ceased due to an inability to pay.
FinCap welcomes the opportunity to submit on the Water Services Legislation Bill (the Bill). As an organisation working to support financial mentors across Aotearoa we know it is normal for whānau to find themselves insolvent. Overcoming the range of financial issues that lead to such situations takes time and this should not mean whānau are at risk of the harm from financial hardship being furthered by the restriction of water flow.
Submission on the Water Services Legislation Bill