Responding to Rongotai MP Julie Anne Genter’s opinion in Saturday’s The Post, Wellington Ratepayers’ Alliance spokesperson, James Ross, said:

“Julie Anne Genter misses the target. Using private companies to manage infrastructure is often a perfectly sound decision. For example, does Ms Genter believe Wellington airport should be 100 percent owned and operated by the council?”

“Wellington Water’s problem is poor governance and lack of accountability, clearly demonstrated by its inadequate contract management practices. The lack of effective oversight or disciplined management practices meant the environmental and financial disaster facing Wellington ratepayers was always likely to happen.”

“The dysfunction at Wellington Water mirrors the chaos in its major parent organisation: Wellington City Council. Whether it’s Moa Point or the Town Hall reconstruction, neither organisation seems capable of managing major capital works.”

“Blaming private operators for the failure is a soft and easy option. What is needed is a root cause analysis that rigorously examines the contracting model, governance structures, and lines of accountability. We expect the government inquiry to pull no punches.”