10317 (2024). Hon Kieran McAnulty to the Minister of Local Government

10317 (2024). Hon Kieran McAnulty to the Minister of Local Government: What evidence, if any, does the Minister have to prove that the new Local Water Done Well model for Watercare will ensure “water rates remain affordable both now and into the future”?

Hon Simeon Brown: Local Water Done Well is about ensuring councils or their water services delivery vehicles have access to sufficient long-term financing necessary for investment in water infrastructure assets that will have intergenerational lifespans. Councils will be required to provide the Government with Water Services Delivery Plans which will need to demonstrate financial sustainability, including affordability for consumers. An economic regulation regime will ensure councils and their water services delivery vehicles are investing appropriately in their infrastructure, that they are providing services of an acceptable quality, and that charges to consumers are cost reflective and affordable. Officials are currently developing analysis to underpin key aspects of Local Water Done Well as part of the policy process for legislation for introduction later this calendar year which will set out the enduring settings for Local Water Done Well.