43569 (2025). Tangi Utikere to the Minister of Local Government

43569 (2025). Tangi Utikere to the Minister of Local Government: What mechanisms will be in place, if any, to ensure transparency and public accountability of council-controlled water organisations created under the Local Water Done Well policy?

Hon Simon Watts: The Local Government (Water Services) Act 2025 sets out a new economic regulation and consumer protection regime which is a key part of Local Water Done Well. The regime will give New Zealanders peace of mind that councils and water organisations are spending sufficient revenue (collected through rates or water charges) on water infrastructure. The Commerce Commission will have a range of regulatory tools to help achieve this outcome, including mandatory information disclosure by water services providers to promote efficient practices and protections for consumers. This aspect of Local Water Done Well is being led by my colleague, the Minister for Commerce and Consumer Affairs Hon Scott Simpson. It will be administered by the Commerce Commission from mid-2026.