Legislative Overview

‘Local Water Done Well’ is underpinned by three pieces of legislation aimed at enhancing the management, quality, and sustainability of water services in New Zealand. These reforms are a response to the need for updated infrastructure, improved water quality, and financially sustainable service delivery.

Key Legislation and Dates

• Local Government (Water Services Preliminary Arrangements) Act 2024: Enacted on 2 September 2024, this act requires councils to develop Water Services Delivery Plans by 3 September 2025, outlining future delivery models that are financially sustainable and meet regulatory standards.
• Local Government (Water Services) Bill: Introduced to Parliament in December 2024, this bill sets enduring frameworks for water services, focusing on economic regulation, consumer protection, and environmental resilience. The bill passed its first reading on 17 December 2024, with public submissions closed on 23 February 2025.

Objectives of the Legislation

The legislation aims to:

• Ensure water services are safe, reliable, and environmentally sustainable.
• Establish a new economic regulation and consumer protection regime, enhancing transparency and accountability in water service delivery.
• Facilitate the transition to new water service management models, encouraging innovative and efficient practices.

Implementation and Impact

• Staggered Implementation: Nationally new water service entities will begin operation starting in 2025, with full implementation expected by 1 July 2027.
• Economic Impact: The reforms are designed to prevent significant rate increases, providing long-term savings and greater financial efficiency compared to the current system.

Further Information

For detailed legislative texts and updates on the progress of these reforms, please visit:

• New Zealand Legislation
• Department of Internal Affairs - Water Services