The Cook Islands Opposition is demanding changes to the To Tatou Vai Authority Bill.
The legislation to set up the authority to run the new water reticulation system on Rarotonga is facing significant backlash across the country, with a protest march last week and more planned.
There is also ongoing legal action over the bill.
Work on the Te Mato Vai water project in Rarotonga, Cook Islands in 2015. Photo: Phillipa Webb / Cook Islands News
The Opposition Leader, Tina Browne, said the bill needs redrafting before her Democratic Party will back it.
She said there should be a lot more consideration vested in Cook Islands culture and traditions.
Ms Brown said the interests of the people need to be at the forefront, not the interests of government or the To Tatou Vai Authority.
She has also criticised the government for giving too little time for public consultation and trying to rush the bill through for the September sitting.
