Tiaki Wai has reversed an initial set of water prices following public concern, with water charges now set to increase by 12.8% on average across the four Wellington region cities in the coming financial year.
The average household water charge for 2026-2027 will be $2377 per year, an increase of $277 from the current $2100. This is down from the initial March projection of $2400 and a projected 14.7% increase.
Tiaki Wai chairperson Will Peet said officials had listened to people's concerns. "I know some people will find these charges really really difficult, I also know that there are very few people that look forward to getting an increase in prices," he said.
The water authority decided to extend its capital spending programme to achieve the bill reductions, which may mean it takes longer to reduce the frequency of leaks, pipe failures, flooding and overflows. Water charges are forecast to reach $6206 per year by 2036, 10% lower than initial projections.
Wellington mayor Andrew Little said he would advocate for the Commerce Commission to have price control over Tiaki Wai. "These prices are still going to huge pressure on a lot households," he said.
The five councils confirmed they would transfer assets worth around $9 billion and about $1.6 billion of debt to Tiaki Wai from 1 July. Exact water charge figures are set to be confirmed on 16 June.