The Taxpayers’ Union presented an oral submission on the Local Government (Water Services) Bill, focusing on how New Zealand manages critical water infrastructure. While the Bill allows councils to continue delivering services in-house, we argued this approach risks repeating the governance and efficiency failures seen in parts of the sector today.
We called for mandatory corporatisation of all water services into standalone entities with clear governance and accountability. We opposed allowing in-house delivery, pushed for legally required asset management plans, and recommended adopting proven models that ensure transparency and proper oversight. These changes would strengthen financial discipline and improve long-term infrastructure planning.
This matters because weak governance and poor planning have already contributed to infrastructure failures and rising costs. Strong, independent structures ensure accountability, better investment decisions, and more reliable services, protecting both ratepayers and the long-term sustainability of essential water infrastructure.
