In NZ there is the Three Waters infrastructure power grab. All 67 of the local councils are to give their infrastructure to the Central Government under Nanaia Mahuta, the tattoo-faced monster that looks like Jabba the hut. The councils are offered a fraction of what it cost them to build the infrastructure. My local council had just spent a fortune on a sewerage plant, so were particularly reluctant. In the first few rounds the CG said that there would be an opt-out clause. Then, just recently, Nanaia said it is to be mandatory. This, after most councils refused to take part because they have spent nearly a century building the infrastructure with rates received, and minimal borrowing. The central government claims that ratepayers will have to pay double or triple the water rates in order for the water to be potable. And are offering millions for the supposed deal. However, as stated, those millions are a fraction of the cost, and more insultingly, the millions are a loan, not a payment for services. So, it is a weird fait accompli, because the loan will immediately raise rates, in repayment.

The advertising campaign had images of muddy water coming out of taps, which was particularly offenisve. New Zealand's tapwater is very good in most places. There are some jurisdictions that have problems with a funny taste, such as New Plymouth with the mouldy taste, and Tauranga that tastes like swimming pool. But people just get water filters for that.

The worst part is that most ratepayers would not even have a clue that this power grab is happening. They will find out when the rates suddenly jump up, and there will be lots of Poi dances next to new treatment plants, for our collective edification, I'm sure. Not that ordinary Maoris will benefit in any way.