Optimism the new Local Government Minister has a firm grasp of the issues surrounding the controversial Three Waters policy.

Kieran McAnulty sat down with the mayors opposing the reform yesterday in Wellington.

Central Hawke's Bay Mayor Alex Walker told Mike Hosking McAnulty is open-minded and pragmatic, but there are still questions over what his next steps will be.

But she thinks that's because the minister is taking the task issued by the Prime Minister to come up with a fresh approach on the reform very seriously.

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