- Three Waters Reform Programme
- About the Reform Programme
- Iwi/Māori interests
- Working groups
- National Transition Unit
- Reform Programme Engagement
- Information for councils
- Key information
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Request for Information
- Taumata Arowai
- Three Waters Review
- Government Inquiry into Havelock North Drinking Water
- Archived information
Three Waters Reform Programme
The delivery of drinking water, wastewater and stormwater – the three waters services – is changing.
All New Zealanders need safe, reliable drinking water, wastewater and stormwater – the three waters services. We depend on these for the health and wellbeing of our communities and our environment.
Why do we need reform?
The evidence shows as a nation we haven’t adequately maintained and improved our water service infrastructure. Without change, the safety, reliability and affordability of these services will lead to more New Zealanders getting sick from contaminated drinking water, more sewage spills and increases in cost.
Three waters reform case for change and summary of proposals - 15 June 2022 (PDF, 1.3MB)
How will our water services be improved?
The Government has worked with local government, iwi and water industry leaders to create a detailed, affordable plan to make sure our three waters system is in good condition to meet challenges like population growth, climate change and natural disasters.
Under this plan four new publicly-owned Water Services Entities will run New Zealand’s drinking water, wastewater and stormwater services – currently operated by councils on behalf of communities.
The Government’s plan will build these new Water Services Entities (WSEs) on the foundations of existing council infrastructure, people, and expertise. The plan is designed to give the new water organisations the financial flexibility to make the necessary upgrades more affordable for everyone.
Listen to Minister of Local Government Nanaia Mahuta talk about why the Government is proceeding with reform.
Note: Based on user browser settings, YouTube may mark videos as restricted. If the video is unable to be viewed, please copy and paste the video link (https://www.youtube.com/embed/fyFdFVPM59E) into a different browser. Alternatively, it is also recommended to view the video in an 'Incognito window' or private browser.
Water Services Legislation
The Government is implementing reform of water services through a suite of three pieces of legislation.
They are:
- The Water Services Entities Act
- The Water Services Legislation Bill
- The Water Services Economic Efficiency and Consumer Protection Bill
The Water Services Entities Act
The Water Services Entities Act establishes the new water services entities so they are ready to provide services from 1 July 2024.
You can read more about the Act here: The Water Services Entities Bill
The Water Services Legislation Bill
The Water Services Legislation Bill is before Parliament’s Finance and Expenditure Committee which is now considering submissions from the public, councils and others. The committee is due to report back to the House by 25 May, 2023.
Learn more and keep up with the process by clicking the button (link) below.
Submissions process (on www.parliament.nz)
Read the Bill (on www.legislation.govt.nz)
Resources:
Water Services Legislation Bill – overview (PDF, 144KB)
Water Services Legislation Bill – implementation arrangements (PDF, 133KB)
Water Services Legislation Bill – pricing and charging (PDF, 133KB)
Water Services Legislation Bill – regulatory functions and powers (PDF, 133KB)
The Water Services Economic Efficiency and Consumer Protection Bill
Also introduced to Parliament in December 2022, the Water Services Economic Efficiency and Consumer Protection Bill implements Cabinet’s agreement to establish an economic regulation and consumer protection regime as part of the Three Waters Reform.
You can read more about economic regulation and consumer protection in three waters services on the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment’s website here: Economic regulation and consumer protection regime for three waters services
Read the Bill (on www.legislation.govt.nz)
Find out more
Contact us
If you have any queries, please email: ThreeWaters@dia.govt.nz
Return to Local Government Policy
