Hon NANAIA MAHUTA: Pausing the reform discussion will not help to respond to the significant challenges facing councils. Many of New Zealand's communities are dealing with rising costs and unacceptable outcomes from their three waters services; that's not good for the health of people or the environment. The case for change is strong, well canvassed, and generally accepted by most. These challenges have been discussed for more than two decades and it's time to do something about them.