Background
In December 2023 the Central Government announced a new direction for water services (drinking water, wastewater and stormwater services) called Local Water Done Well.
Water reform in the greater Wellington metro area is a collaboration of five councils:
- Hutt City
- Upper Hutt City
- Porirua City
- Wellington City
- Greater Wellington
And two iwi groups:
- Ngāti Toa Rangatira
- Taranaki Whānui ki Te Upoko o Te Ika
A new multi-council-owned organisation that will take ownership of public drinking water and wastewater networks is being developed.
Introducing Tiaki Wai
The new organisation, named Tiaki Wai will take over from Wellington Water Ltd to deliver drinking water, wastewater and stormwater services across the metropolitan Wellington area on 1 July 2026.
Water infrastructure will remain publicly owned and managed on behalf of ratepayers and the community.
What is Greater Wellington's role?
Greater Wellington has a unique position, being the only regional council in Aotearoa New Zealand providing drinking water to city councils for them to distribute to houses and businesses (also called ‘bulk drinking water supply’).
As of 1 July the bulk water assets will be managed by Tiaki Wai. Greater Wellington will remain the owner of the land.
Key documents
Metropolitan Wellington Water Services Delivery Plan
Five councils covering the Wellington metropolitan area – Hutt City Council, Porirua City Council, Upper Hutt City Council, Wellington City Council and Greater Wellington Regional Council – have agreed on a… Read more here
date_range Published 29 Aug 2025
Download now (PDF 14 MB) get_appAppendices to Metropolitan Wellington Water Services Delivery Plan
This is the appendices for the Metropolitan Wellington Water Services Delivery Plan (WSDP). Read more here
date_range Published 29 Aug 2025
Download now (PDF 3.5 MB) get_appMetropolitan Wellington Water Services Delivery Plan: An overview
This document provides an overview of main points from the metropolitan Wellington Water Services Delivery Plan. Read more here
date_range Published 29 Aug 2025
Download now (PDF 244 KB) get_appWater Services Delivery Plan acceptance letter
The letter from Department of Internal Affairs accepting the Water Services Delivery Plan submitted by Greater Wellington, Hutt City Council, Porirua City Council, Upper Hutt City Council and Wellington City… Read more here
date_range Published 06 Oct 2025
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Get in touch
- Phone:
- 0800 496 734
- Email:
- info@gw.govt.nz