Toxic Algae Warning
In December 2023, the Government introduced Local Water Done Well, a new plan for managing drinking water, wastewater and stormwater services. This plan aims to ensure water services are safe, reliable, and financially sustainable while meeting regulatory standards.
How It Works
The plan is being rolled out in three stages, each with its own law. The second stage became law in September 2024, and councils, including ours, gave feedback before it was finalised. A further law, introduced in December 2024, sets out long-term rules for water services.
The goal is to provide cost-effective water services that meet environmental and community needs while maintaining high standards.
A Regional Approach
One of the legislative requirements is for councils to develop water services delivery plans. An Advisory Oversight Group (AOG) has been established to oversee a regional approach to delivering water services. The group is led by Dame Kerry Prendergast and includes the four metropolitan councils in the region (Hutt City, Upper Hutt, Porirua, and Wellington) as well as Greater Wellington Regional Council. Hutt City Council is represented on the AOG by Mayor Campbell Barry.
In October 2024, the councils received a report recommending a joint council-owned company that would provide all services directly to water customers and bill them for water usage and services provided.
From 20 March to 20 April 2025, the councils are consulting their communities on whether to go ahead with this option or stay with a modified status quo, adjusted to meet new legislative requirements. Find out more here.
Why Water Services Are Changing
Water reforms have been widely discussed for nearly a decade. The 2016 Havelock North water contamination crisis highlighted the need for better water safety, and ensuring safe drinking water for all communities comes with significant costs. Water services are expected to become more expensive due to:
- Replacing or upgrading ageing infrastructure
- Population and industrial growth
- Climate change impacts
- Stricter health and safety requirements
- New drinking water and wastewater standards
Over time, Governments have taken different approaches to water reform. The previous Government initially proposed creating large regional water organisations, while the current Government has introduced Local Water Done Well. This approach keeps water assets under council ownership and allows councils to decide how services are delivered to their communities.
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