26898 (2026). Francisco Hernandez to the Minister of Local Government

Written Question

Published date: 19 Jun 2026

Metadata

Document type:	Written Question
Parliament number:	54
Question number:	26898 (2026)
Question asked:	04 Jun 2026
Member asking:	Francisco Hernandez
Portfolio:	Minister of Local Government
Minister replying:	Hon Simon Watts
Answer received:	14 Jun 2026
Status:	Question Answered
Reply type:	Reply
Document ID:	WQ_26898_2026
Document guid:	2249dec2-29ac-45df-9965-c8d9a4dc43f0

26898 (2026). Francisco Hernandez to the Minister of Local Government: What cost pressures within their relevant portfolio Votes, if any, was the Minister informed of prior to Budget 2026 - listing any advice received on this by date and title?

Hon Simon Watts: The Water Services Authority – Taumata Arowai (the Authority) is primarily levy-funded with Crown funding providing the balance (20%). The current levy was agreed by Cabinet in mid-2025 and covers the 2025/26, 2026/27 and 2027/28 financial years. The Authority has not advised the Minister on cost pressures in relation to Budget 2026. The Budget will be followed by a proactive release of documents informing budget decisions.