Smart Water Meter Objection

Stefanie from Merrilands

I recently received information regarding Smart "Water Meter Installation" from the NPDC. Included was a form to fill out if you wanted to object to the installation.
This form states "All submissions and feedback (including your name, address and contact details) are provided to Council officers and elected members for the purpose of analysing feedback."
Since when does analysis of feedback data require names and addresses etc. to be known?
Statistics New Zealand always removes personal details when analysing information received from participants. This information is strictly confidential.
The NPDC could have collected feedback on their proposed Smart Water Meter Installation, and kept respondent details confidential, but they have chosen not to do this. This is very concerning.
And it gets worse.
The from also states "Submissions and feedback (with individuals' names only) may be available online."
So the Council is threatening to reveal the identity of those who object to a water meter being fitted.
Also the Council has chosen not to inform us that it's more than just a water meter, it's a SMART meter. This type of meter allows the council to remotely turn your water off for what ever reason.
And, even objecting to having the meter in the first place could be used against us.
I think the Council is using the threat to identify objectors, in their feedback form, as a way of stopping negative feedback regarding the installation of their SMART water meters.
The installation of a meter has never been about saving water. It's about having control through the smart meter over one's access to water by centralised control.