Posted 30th July 2001

Papakura Water Ready To Blow

Along with other Papakura Water Pressure Group (PWPG) members, Peter Mathyssen had his water supply disconnected (clamped) by United Water on Monday July 16 after refusing to pay his water bill. This disconnection was fixed and the next day United Water clamped again. Once more the clamp 'disappeared'.

A short time later that day, Norm Beazer (United Water's Operations Engineer) called in and made threats along the lines of "Ö. will cost you lots of money." and "What about you'd like to move house?". . . . On Wednesday 18 July 2001, a 'Notice of Termination of Contract' letter from United Water arrived, signed by Glenn Rainham, United Water's finance manager. In part, the letter says: "In the event that your contract with us is terminated, we will physically remove the meter and service connections" and: "I trust this action will be unneccessary and I look forward to receiving your payment prior to Wednesday 1 August 2001". Needless to say, there will be no payment. PWPG will be ready and waiting to stand guard from:

8am Wednesday morning, August 1, at 49 Bellfield Rd, Papakura. We must stop United Water! Our campaign is coming to a crucial point and the active support of all our supporters is required, in two ways:

1. Call in at 49 Bellfield Rd this Wednesday morning to support PWPG and show United Water, Papakura, New Zealand and our pigheaded ignorant politicians, that we do NOT want privatised water services!

2. Become part of the quick response team to stop United Water removing Peter's water connection. This will involve no more than standing near the water connection to block access. Please ring: 298 6548 or 299 9982. (Remember that under the franchise agreement, WE still own all the pipes.)

Everyone in Papakura should know about this. So talk to your friends, neighbours, relatives, email to everyone in your address list, ring talk back radio, etc. Check out www.papakurawaterpressur egroup.pl.net

PWPG has full support from Auckland Water Pressure Group (they are bringing their fire engine), Citizens Against Privatisation Waitakere and Manukau Water Pressure Group. When it comes to water reconnections and their protests against Metrowater, Auckland Water Pressure Group has been through it all; from simply removing clamps to even digging up streets. They reconnected Metrowater's disconnections until in the end Metrowater gave up. It has been two years since Metrowater did their last disconnection! People power DOES work.....