Ten things to know about Tiaki Wai

From 1 July, Wellington’s water services will flow from a new regional organisation, Tiaki Wai. Here are 10 key things to know about what’s changing, why it’s happening, and what it means for Wellingtonians.

1. Tiaki Wai is the new organisation delivering our water services: From 1 July 2026, Tiaki Wai will be responsible for delivering drinking water, wastewater and stormwater services across the Wellington metropolitan area, replacing Wellington Water. They will own and operate Wellington City’s water assets*. This decision follows the government's Local Water Done Well directive and was made after public consultation in 2025, with 72 percent of Wellington City community feedback expressing support.

2. The name Tiaki Wai means “carers for water” in te reo Māori: It was gifted by mana whenua iwi Ngāti Toa Rangatira and Taranaki Whānui ki Te Upoko o Te Ika and reflects a shared commitment to protecting water and upholding te mana o te wai.

3. Tiaki Wai is publicly owned, not private: It is co-owned by five metropolitan councils (Wellington City, Hutt City, Upper Hutt City, Porirua City, and Greater Wellington) and governed together with mana whenua partners Ngāti Toa Rangatira and Taranaki Whānui ki Te Upoko o Te Ika. As a council-controlled organisation, rather than a private company, its assets stay in public hands and cannot be sold. Tiaki Wai must follow strict financial guidelines and is not allowed to issue dividends.

4. Tiaki Wai will be governed and independently regulated: Tiaki Wai will be governed by a new Board, Chaired by Will Peet, while representatives from each council and Ngāti Toa and Taranaki Whānui with oversight via the newly established Partners Committee. Mayor Little and Deputy Mayor McNulty are the Council's representatives on this Committee.  Tiaki Wai will also be regulated by several national and regional bodies to ensure safe, reliable, and affordable water for Wellingtonians. Compliance and standards are monitored by the Commerce Commission (e.g. investment, and pricing), the Water Services Authority | Taumata Arowai, Greater Wellington Regional Council, and the Department of Internal Affairs.

5. Tiaki Wai is set up to take a long‑term, regional approach to fixing the network: Because Tiaki Wai will be managing water services for the whole Wellington metro region and will have a greater level of autonomy with regards to funding, it can plan investment over decades, rather than being tied to individual council’s annual and long‑term plans. This makes it easier to fund major, sustained upgrades across the whole network, building regional water services that are fit for the future.

6. Your water services will keep running: When Tiaki Wai becomes responsible for the Wellington water network from 1 July 2026, day-to-day services like fixing leaks, maintaining pipes and responding to faults will continue. Tiaki Wai will take on the existing Wellington Water operational and support teams to ensure continuity of expertise and services.

7. Water charges will move off Council rates from 1 July: Water charges will no longer be included in Wellington City Council general rates bills. Instead, from the first quarter of the next financial year, customers will receive separate water services bills from Tiaki Wai. It’s important to note that you are already paying for water services today through Council rates bills. The type of bill you receive will depend on whether your property has a water meter. Non-metered properties will receive a council rates bill plus a Tiaki Wai water bill; metered properties will receive a Council rates bill, a Tiaki Wai drinking water bill (based on usage), and a Tiaki Wai wastewater/stormwater bill.

8. Pricing won’t be uniform across the region straight away: In the first year after transition, water charges will largely reflect the existing five council pricing structures. This means households in different areas may pay different amounts. Over time, Tiaki Wai will work toward a common regional pricing approach. Our Mayor has been clear that household affordability must stay central as decisions are made about future water charges and infrastructure investment. More information on charging can be found on the Tiaki Wai website.

9. You will be invited to provide feedback directly to Tiaki Wai: From 25 March to 22 April, Tiaki Wai will consult on its Water Services Strategy, Customer Charter and Significance and Engagement Policy. This consultation will outline the direction of future investment, water services pricing principles, and customer protections. More information on how to engage in this consultation will be available from Tiaki Wai in coming weeks.

10. For now, the Council remains your main point of contact for water issues and no action is required from you: Up until 1 July, the Council will continue to manage water issues and support customers during the transition. You do not need to do anything right now. Before the transition, you’ll receive clear information about what actions are required, and how to get support, ensuring you know exactly where to find support.

What happens next?
You’ll start seeing more information over the coming months as Tiaki Wai prepares to communicate directly with customers. More practical details, including customer support, billing and payment options, will be shared before July.

• He pātai? Any questions?
  Check out the FAQs on the Tiaki Wai website. If you have questions about the establishment of Tiaki Wai, you can get in touch via their online form.
• Have an immediate water-related issue? Get in touch with us.
• Background on the Council’s mahi leading to Tiaki Wai can be found on our website.

*Te Whare Wai Para Nuku, the sludge minimisation facility, will transfer to Tiaki Wai upon completion. The Moa Point plant is currently under investigation with remedial action yet to be confirmed. Work is also underway to understand the complexities involved in transferring this asset to Tiaki Wai.

This was first published on 3 March 2026 on the Wellington City Council website - Ten things to know about Tiaki Wai