The first of several bills setting out the three waters system has been introduced to parliament, just days before a legal challenge from three councils is set to begin.
Timaru, Waimakariri and Whangarei District Councils will take to the Wellington High Court next week, arguing the reforms "expropriate council-owned property" without acknowledging it is a "taking".
Timaru District Mayor Nigel Bowen spoke to Guyon Espiner.
