Nestlé CEO Peter Brabeck: “Access to water should not be a public right.”

[Edbear]

A long time ago some prominent figure said that the next wars would not be over oil but over water. Can't remember who it was but I'll Google it and see if I can find out.

[Katman]

Boutros Boutros-Ghali.

[Edbear]

Boutros Boutros-Ghali.

Yup, UN Secretary General in 1985.

[Scuba_Steve]

I didn't say he wasn't sane, but I do question his motivation. He's wrong though.

His motivation? well thats easy, he's CEO of one of the biggest water tycoon companies in the world.

[puddytat]

His motivation? well thats easy, he's CEO of one of the biggest water tycoon companies in the world.

Yup, big into milk too.

[carbonhed]

I didn't say he wasn't sane, but I do question his motivation. He's wrong though.

Yours is too... but you can choose to ignore it as you have done.

Well apart from a stint working in the Weather Office I've spent my entire working life growing stuff out in the real world... and having seen a few photos of your efforts in this field it's plain that only one of us knows what they're doing and it's not the guy with the shiny arsed suit peering into his monitor all day. The environment and how we treat it has improved out of sight in the last 30 years where I live.

Build a house in Kapiti and you have to install rain water collection.

The videos that purport to show you can't collect rainwater in the States actually show that for domestic water users the local govt doesn't care if you take it and that the 1925 law is actually there to protect the little guys from unscrupulous assholes who would take more than their fair share. Oh the fucking horror. They regulate how water is used...

[PrincessBandit]

A long time ago some prominent figure said that the next wars would not be over oil but over water. Can't remember who it was but I'll Google it and see if I can find out.

Yup, UN Secretary General in 1985.

The topic of Quantum of Solace over 20 years later

[PrincessBandit]

Given that humans can last several days without food but that water is a necessity to life itself, it's not surprising at all that those in a position to do so want to be able to monopolise it.

At least he was upfront about the fact that the responsibility of any CEO is making money for shareholders and ensuring the company's long term survival. Stuff humanitarian issues.

[mashman]

I worked in the irrigation business for nine years ... and in all cases it was a case of making better and more effective use of what they had ... that made the bigger effect on it's use.

The hue and cry when water meters were installed in Central Otago has not died down yet. Metered water is not just a big city issue.

The attitude that "we always had access to water, so we always should be able to" is not going to be accepted ... as of right.

Those with bore supply (in some areas) are now facing (or already have) restrictions on how much water they are allowed.

I'm all for the sensible use of water. I ain't too shit hot at it, but do make up for my usage in one way or another... however metering isn't the solution is it? Allotting usage is along with implementing tech to clean your water whilst you sleep. There are so many industry's around the world that don't need to be producing what they produce along with the associated water usage. But that'd require changing our economy and the business men just wouldn't like that idea... but only because they're fuckin idiots.

[mashman]

His motivation? well thats easy, he's CEO of one of the biggest water tycoon companies in the world.

aye, gotta makes them bucks.

Well apart from a stint working in the Weather Office I've spent my entire working life growing stuff out in the real world... and having seen a few photos of your efforts in this field it's plain that only one of us knows what they're doing and it's not the guy with the shiny arsed suit peering into his monitor all day. The environment and how we treat it has improved out of sight in the last 30 years where I live.

Build a house in Kapiti and you have to install rain water collection.

The videos that purport to show you can't collect rainwater in the States actually show that for domestic water users the local govt doesn't care if you take it and that the 1925 law is actually there to protect the little guys from unscrupulous assholes who would take more than their fair share. Oh the fucking horror. They regulate how water is used...

I never pretended to be green fingered and I don't wear a suit. I'm sure things have improved over the last 30 years, yet there are still issues to be tackled and I'd like to see them tackled with as much grunt as possible. I'm sure I could learn if I wasn't staring into a monitor all day and the job paid enough... but alas, I must sit and stare into my monitor all day providing tools that allow businesses to lay off staff through efficiency gains and really provide nothing of any great value to the people of NZ.

Sounds expensive.

Why don't they buy the water off of those who have taken the time to collect it?

[FJRider]

I'm all for the sensible use of water. I ain't too shit hot at it, but do make up for my usage in one way or another... however metering isn't the solution is it? Allotting usage is along with implementing tech to clean your water whilst you sleep. There are so many industry's around the world that don't need to be producing what they produce along with the associated water usage. But that'd require changing our economy and the business men just wouldn't like that idea... but only because they're fuckin idiots.

It wont be long before the wastage of water will be a crime. And metering is not ... and never will be ... the end solution in ALL situations. In such situations ... those that can afford high water usage are (legally) justified in doing so.

On some water schemes in Central Otago ... properties are sold with a specified water right amount for that scheme ... per year. Some seasons ... that amount cannot be achieved ... as there isn't the water to fulfill the allowed quota. (due to seasonal conditions)
Thus ... wanting/entitled to ... does not mean CAN GET .. !! Other (at your cost) options then get looked at.

Cost of ... and economical use of water in individual commercial applications, will have major implications in overall profitability of the business. So sensible use becomes a simple business decision. Elimination of waste in all departments is standard business practice. End profit % is the factor that calls the shots. Not the "need" for the product ...

[carbonhed]

Why don't they buy the water off of those who have taken the time to collect it?

So now you approve of the theft of a comunally owned asset for the enrichment of the greedy few? Capitalist swine!

[mashman]

It wont be long before the wastage of water will be a crime. And metering is not ... and never will be ... the end solution in ALL situations. In such situations ... those that can afford high water usage are (legally) justified in doing so.

On some water schemes in Central Otago ... properties are sold with a specified water right amount for that scheme ... per year. Some seasons ... that amount cannot be achieved ... as there isn't the water to fulfill the allowed quota. (due to seasonal conditions)
Thus ... wanting/entitled to ... does not mean CAN GET .. !! Other (at your cost) options then get looked at.

Cost of ... and economical use of water in individual commercial applications, will have major implications in overall profitability of the business. So sensible use becomes a simple business decision. Elimination of waste in all departments is standard business practice. End profit % is the factor that calls the shots. Not the "need" for the product ...

Bit like dodging tax is a crime eh ... but as you point out, as long as you can afford to pay. Gawd that's a horrible thought in regards to those who may not be able to afford such costs.

As you say tough, it's the right you're paying for, not the usage. Shame that important community usage could go wanting to make money. Kinda rubs me up the wrong way for some reason.

But if it's cost effective to produce the waste the product will be, erm, produced. I read somewhere that there's a large amount of water that goes into making a pair of jeans. We'd be better off with hemp kex.

So now you approve of the theft of a comunally owned asset for the enrichment of the greedy few? Capitalist swine!

... it's my new cunning plan. Talk the talk but then rip any cunt off that I can. I'd love to know if they guy in the US would have given water to his neighbours had they requested it.

[Banditbandit]

It isn't so "free " in Godzone ... most of you urban dwellers will pay water rates ... (and those that don't it's built into the general rates) ... farmers who irrigate have to pay for a water right ...

Fortunately I have lived rurally for 25 years .. and had springs that feed our house clean fresh water ...

[Brian d marge]

I believe that one of the south American countries has had to sell their own water resources to an American co. ( American?? suprise suprise!), as part of either an IMF or world bank bail out. If I am right about the IMF, it is controlled by American financial interests.

This would be right up Dohnkeys alley. I used to be pro business once, but more and more I see international companies ( and govts) moving from development and improving lives to outright greed.

He thinks that by business controlling the basic commodities of life, they can solve all the worlds problems.

This Nestle CEO needs to go and spend a year working in a 3rd world country.

See pretty much all my posts !!!!

it was Bolivia to a french company after the imf imposed its " guidelines" due the money borrowed

( from memory ) and the water was too expensive for a good few of the people ,,,,

Its happening right here in NZ , as we speak

Stephen