Your water. Your wallet.
Back Option 2 — for local control that works
Wellington Council is asking for your say on a once-in-a-generation opportunity to fix the pipes.
But Council’s “preferred” plan will create a regional water company based on the same model that’s already failed Wellington.
It’s a bad deal for ratepayers, renters, and our environment.
Tell Council you support Option 2 — a Wellington-owned water provider that puts residents first.
Here’s what’s at stake for Wellingtonians:
Less of a voice — the regional model removes local oversight and leaves Wellingtonians with less say.
Won’t fix what’s broken — the current system is failing, and the new plan locks in the same mismanagement.
You’ll foot the bill — Wellington ratepayers will help fund water upgrades in other cities.
Hardest on the vulnerable — renters and low-income households will be hit hardest by user-pays charges.
Less consumer choice — a commercial water monopoly means less innovation and flexibility.
Less environmental protection — storm water risks being deprioritised and underfunded.
Less climate resilience — a regional water company may not invest in the local solutions Wellington needs.
In five years, Wellington’s water costs have risen 70% yet the network has deteriorated. Council’s “preferred” plan to address this will only entrench the failure of the current model. It ignores social harm, it removes accountability to the people who will have to pay, and it seeks to have user-pays water charges fund storm water.
Make a submission in support of Option 2: a local water enterprise, owned by Wellington, accountable to Wellington. Demand that Wellington City Council retains responsibility for storm water which should be rates funded and not subject to user pays.
Submissions close midnight, 21 April 2025.
For renters
The plan is for the Three Waters (drinking water, sewerage, storm water) to shift from being funded through rates to being funded directly by water charges.
You’ll be paying the bills and there’s no guarantee your rent will go down.
The social impact of this shift to user-pays has been completely ignored by Council. It will not be practical to address this if a regional water enterprise is created.
It’s a win for property owners — and a loss for renters.
For ratepayers and water users
Wellington ratepayers already pay an average of $2,300 a year for water services. Under the new plan, that figure is forecast to double.
If a regional company is created, it will entrench current inefficiencies and further reduce accountability to Wellington City residents.
Only a local company, owned by Wellington, will deliver efficient service, avoid Wellington residents paying for other cities’ costs, and provide real accountability.
Storm water systems are vital for flood protection and climate resilience. Under the regional model, they’ll be absorbed into a commercial water company to be paid for by water charges.
Storm water is a public good and must remain within Council, funded through rates and aligned with the City’s environmental and planning goals.