The former head of Auckland's water services says ratepayers face hikes in water charges that are wrong and unnecessary.
Water charges are forecast to double over the next decade, beginning with a 7 percent rise this year.
But the ex-chief executive of Watercare, Raveen Jaduram, says people would pay far less if the company was not owned by Auckland Council, so saddled with the council's debt problems.
Jaduram, who resigned a year ago amid the city's worst drought in decades and suggestions he was overpaid on a salary of over $700,000 dollars, said he is speaking out because what is happening is 'criminal'.
He said this is a good reason to back the Government's 3 Waters reform, which retains ratepayer ownership of the assets while reducing what he says is unhelpful influence from the council.
Auckland Mayor Phil Goff opposes 3 Waters.
He says the approach Raveen Jaduram advocates would undermine local control.
Watercare declined to comment.
