The future of the contentious Three Waters reforms has become cloudier with three of New Zealand's biggest councils proposing an alternative plan.
Auckland, Christchurch and Waimakariri's Mayors have proposed what they have said was a "common-sense solution" to the country's water woes - all while keeping control in the hands of councils.
The alternative proposal would maintain parts of the existing Three Waters plan, including a new water regulator but would maintain local ownership, control and accountability.
Christchurch City Mayor Phil Mauger said it was about working with the Government, not against it.
"Here is another way forward to get going," Mauger told AM.
"Now, on TV1's website… it said that we're going to 'fight' the Government - the last thing I want to do is have the word 'fight' anywhere in there. We just want to talk to them and collaborate with them and have a conversation, because we feel the ideas we are putting forward are better for everybody."
Mauger said they aim to get as many New Zealand Mayors on board with their proposal as possible.
The proposal was made public on Monday afternoon after information about it was supplied to the Government.
"During the [local] election process that we've just had, the main topic of contention was Three Waters," Mauger said.
"We're just looking for a better way forward because say for argument's sake the Government pushes it through - and quite rightly, they can… if it all turns to custard and then National gets in and they want to repeal it, all that's going to do is cost an absolute fortune."
Mauger believed the Government was open to dialogue on their proposal.
Newshub political editor Jenna Lynch told AM the Prime Minister was willing to negotiate with the councils.
"Jacinda Ardern's kind of defence line on Three Waters has always been, 'Well if not this, then what?' Because our water infrastructure is dilapidated," Lynch said.
"This was all born out of the Havelock North water crisis - people got sick from their drinking water. Here in Wellington, we have sewerage running through the streets on any given week - our water infrastructure needs to be upgraded."
But the Government hasn't been able to articulate why Three Waters is the best way forward, Lynch said.
At her post-Cabinet press conference on Monday, Ardern made it clear the Government is open to making "refinements and changes that improve the reforms".
"But our bottom line is we don't want to change those matters which are focused on keeping [the] cost of living in check," the Prime Minister told reporters.
"Without reform, ratepayers will see increases in their water bills. We don't want to change the fundamentals of these reforms that are designed to make sure we don't see exponential increases."
