Hi John --

You might have heard the news that we’re making major changes to our affordable water reforms. We’re delivering big cost savings to households while also making sure that the work is now led and delivered at a regional level.

We believe that all New Zealanders deserve safe, reliable and affordable water services that keep families and our environment healthy. But after years of underinvestment, our water systems are facing a crisis.

Kicking the can down the road and choosing not to address our national water infrastructure comes at a cost to New Zealanders. Without reform, households will face rates rising by over $4,000 - $9,000 per year in the future.  

Labour is not prepared to put extra costs on Kiwis during a global cost of living crisis. That’s why, we’ve taken another look at our water reform programme and yesterday we announced a pragmatic way forward.

Our affordable water reforms will fix New Zealand’s water infrastructure and make sure that households don’t foot the bill through huge rate increases. It’s a plan that will save families thousands of dollars in the future.

MORE ON COST SAVINGS

There’s been a lot of feedback on this work and we’ve heard it loud and clear. The reforms need to save households from ballooning costs while also being more locally led. Our changes seek to strike that balance.

We’ve now extended the number of publically owned water entities from four to ten. That means every council, and therefore every community, will now have a say over their local water services entities. By setting up more water entities, we’re making sure that the needs of every community, including small rural towns, are heard and met.

These water entities will be publically owned, and regionally led by industry professionals who will be appointed by local representatives.

Our plan strengthens the links between the water entities and the local communities they serve. It also makes sure that New Zealanders, no matter where they live, can access safe, reliable and affordable drinking water now, and into the future.

Too many of us have seen first-hand the recent flooding, cyclone, and extreme weather events impacting communities. Our water infrastructure needs to be ready. We’re prepared to partner with industry to achieve that. At the same time, we believe it’s essential that costs are not unfairly put on New Zealand households to pay for it.

These are once in a generation reforms, and it’s important that we’ve taken the time to listen and get this right. You will hear more from us soon, but in the meantime you can find out more here.

Thanks,
Kieran McAnulty