The New Zealand Law Society has written to the Minister of Local Government expressing its concern regarding the use of an entrenchment clause in the Water Services Entities Bill – more commonly referred to as the Three Waters regime.
‘The late inclusion of an entrenchment clause in the Water Services Entities Bill breaches a well-established convention observed by successive Parliaments. Under this convention, entrenchment provisions are reserved for significant constitutional matters outside the scope of general policy debate. The entrenchment clause is undemocratic: it proposes to bind the hands of future governments on a contestable policy position.
‘The Law Society also believes it is constitutionally inappropriate to introduce an entrenchment clause under urgency by SOP. Legislating by SOP at the Committee of the Whole House stage leaves no room for cross-party dialogue or public consultation.
‘We strongly urge the Government to recommit the Bill to the Committee of the Whole House before its third reading, and remove the entrenchment provision contained in clause 206AA.’
Click here to read the letter from President Frazer Barton to Local Government Minister Hon. Nanaia Mahuta.
But the Govt are a law unto themselves? Aren’t they gods?
From memory the Law Society stood silent as many NZer’s had their rights to freedom of choice flushed down the toilet. Perhaps now they see the constitution can be so easily bi-passed they see they have now become irrelevant too. And more importantly their income lessened because of it.
That said, 3x waters infrastructure control has bolted guys. It was a done deal before the last election and its rights sold shortly after. Move on.
Yet again, more sneaky underhand corrupt tactics from this government. Keeping an eye on these shady miscreants has become like a full time job.
The entrenchment clause is a psyop designed to steer attention away from the real crime of ramming through Three Waters under Urgency.