Porirua City Council is calling on residents to have their say on two key issues that could shape the future of the city — the management of local water services and proposed changes to rates and fees in the 2025/26 Annual Plan.
The consultation comes as part of the Government’s Local Water Done Well reforms, which signal a major shift in how drinking water, wastewater and stormwater services are managed across Aotearoa.
Porirua City Council, working alongside Hutt City, Upper Hutt City, Wellington City, Greater Wellington Regional Council and mana whenua partners, has outlined two options for the future of water services in Porirua and the wider region.
The Two Options
- Option 1: A multi-council-owned water organisation — this is the Council’s preferred approach.
- Option 2: A modified version of the current Wellington Water model, introducing new planning, regulatory and accountability frameworks.
Mayor Anita Baker says it’s a crucial decision that will directly affect residents’ lives, their rates, and how they pay for water services.
“This is the most important decision we’ll make for our city in decades and we want to hear your views,” Baker said.
Proposed Changes to Rates and Fees
Porirua residents are also being asked for feedback on proposed changes to the Council’s 2025/26 Annual Plan. Rising costs for core services like rubbish, recycling, roads, parks, pools, and libraries — as well as critical infrastructure — have seen rates reach an all-time high.
After a 17.5% rates increase last year, Council says it has worked hard to find savings and cutbacks, reducing the planned average rates increase for 2025/26 from 15% to 6.75%.
Proposals to help manage costs include:
- Increasing entry fees at Cannons Creek Pool
- Raising building consent fees
- Increasing paid parking fees by 50 cents per hour
- Stopping the Chamber of Commerce grant
- Reducing Event Investment Programme funding
Have Your Say
Consultation is open until midnight on 20 April 2025. Submissions are quick and easy, with just five key questions and space for additional comments.
Residents can share their views online at: poriruacity.govt.nz/consultation