Porirua City Council has approved consultation on a new model for delivering water services, seeking community input alongside its Annual Plan process.
With aging infrastructure and significant water loss, councils in the Wellington region are exploring solutions to ensure safe and reliable drinking water, wastewater, and stormwater services. An estimated 21% of the region’s water infrastructure is worn out, and around 40% of water is lost through leaks.
Porirua Mayor Anita Baker emphasised the urgency of the situation, saying:
“As well as leaks, we’ve had summer water shortages, none of our wastewater plants are reliably compliant, and waterways are in poor condition.”
Five councils—Porirua City, Hutt City, Upper Hutt City, Wellington City, and Greater Wellington Regional Council—along with mana whenua partners Ngāti Toa Rangatira and Taranaki Whānui ki te Upoko o te Ika, have agreed to consult on forming a multi-council-owned water organisation. This entity would own and manage water infrastructure, allowing for greater borrowing capacity to fund necessary improvements.
A second option under consideration is a modified version of the existing Wellington Water model, where councils would retain ownership and funding responsibility but remain constrained by current debt limits.
Mayor Baker, a long-time advocate for reform, said the Wellington Water model is outdated and unable to meet current needs.
“This is the reason we need change, and why I have consistently been a supporter of water services reform,” she said.
A key concern for households and businesses will be cost. Mayor Baker noted that while water service costs will inevitably rise due to long-overdue investment, the proposed multi-council model would reduce costs by about one-third compared to the modified status quo.
Public consultation runs from 20 March to 20 April, with final decisions to be made after feedback is reviewed. Residents can participate at Have Your Say.