33183 (2026). Tangi Utikere to the Minister of Local Government

33183 (2026). Tangi Utikere to the Minister of Local Government: After the Department of Internal Affairs' assessment that the Wellington metropolitan councils' allocation methodology for water-related debt results in relatively high charges to consumers, what, if anthying, is the Government doing to reduce the impact of those charges on Wellington households?

Hon Simon Watts: As has been publicly reported, I was concerned at initial reports from Tiaki Wai in a draft water services strategy (WSS) that the proposed water services charges for the 26/27 year were higher than outlined in the accepted water services delivery plan. I instructed officials to work with Tiaki Wai, and the Commerce Commission to ensure that the final WSS supported the financial sustainability of Tiaki Wai while balancing the impact on consumers. I note that the Commerce Commission is considering additional information disclosure requirements for Tiaki Wai to provide earlier transparency and further assurance in the areas of highest risk.