Three District Councils
are taking on the Minister for Local Government, Nanaia Mahuta,
over the Three Waters legislation.
For the latest on what's happening in politics
we cross live now to Te Okiwa McLean who is at Parliament.
Te Okiwa what can you tell us about this case?
That's correct Scotty.
In a bid to defend what they call their "property rights,"
three district councils are taking property issues
relating to the Government's controversial Three Waters reforms
to the High Court.
Whangārei, Timaru and Waimakariri District Councils
will ask the High Court today for declarations and legal clarity
on the rights and interests that property ownership entails
under the proposed Three Waters entities.
In their view, the proposals are taking council-owned property
is a “asset grab.”
Here's what Local Government Minister Nanaia Mahuta had to say.
As this is currently in front of the judge in court,
I currently can't speak on what they are wanting in court.
However, I know they're challenging the work I'm doing.
Te Okiwa this week a special hui was held in Heretaunga
following a situation where a young Māori boy
was hit by a Mongrel Member at a park.
Gang violence seems to be on the rise
- what is the government doing about it?
The 3 year old toddler who was left covered in blood
after being assaulted by a patched Mongrel Mob member is now fine,
but, Police are still investigating the assault
that took place at Cornwall Park in Hastings last week.
The government says it's an issue that's still being investigated.
And they're saying the gangs need to stop.
We saw in reports from last week
about Police arresting members of gangs.
So this government is doing the work about the issues regarding gangs.
And lastly Minister for Defence, Peeni Henare
will be heading to Singapore tomorrow
- can you tell us more about this trip?
Absolutely! Minister Henare is set to fly over to Singapore tomorrow
to attend the region's premiere defence and security forum,
the 19th annual Shangri-La Dialogue.
On his travels,
the minister will conduct bilateral meetings
with counterparts from countries including Australia, Singapore,
Canada and the Republic of Korea.
Here's Defence Minister Peeni Henare.
First off, to see each other face to face
with the Defence Minister's from around the world.
That's the main thing I'll be doing.
No doubt things we will be discussing
will include climate change
and issues within the Pacific and other things too.
That's just a few things currently being discussed here in Parliament.
Tomorrow, no doubt there will be new topics.
Te Okiwa Mclean, thank you for your political update.