After the Department of Internal Affairs' assessment that the Wellington metropolitan councils' allocation methodology for water-related debt results in relatively high charges to consumers, what, if anthying, is the Government doing to reduce the impact of those charges on Wellington households?

Answer

As has been publicly reported, I was concerned at initial reports from Tiaki Wai in a draft water services strategy (WSS) that the proposed water services charges for the 26/27 year were higher than outlined in the accepted water services delivery plan. I instructed officials to work with Tiaki Wai, and the Commerce Commission to ensure that the final WSS supported the financial sustainability of Tiaki Wai while balancing the impact on consumers. I note that the Commerce Commission is considering additional information disclosure requirements for Tiaki Wai to provide earlier transparency and further assurance in the areas of highest risk.