Kia Ora,

Impacts of debt transfer to Tiaki Wai will be enormous after the bill to restore the Moa Point is transferred. 

This was what we were concerned over. Now as of the 1st July this debt and issue will become everyone’s issue and debt in the Wellington Region. Councils have agreed to go with Metro water with a blank cheque on ratepayers behalf.

Let’s hope the Govt steps in and assists Wellington as they have done Auckland and Christchurch in the past. As an example, Seaview waste water plant that Upper Hutt 30% holders with Hutt City who own the other 70%. Over a year ago was reportedly going to be around $2.1b to replace. As we understand Moa Point is considered larger and handles a higher capacity than the Seaview Wastewater Treatment Plant. Moa Point is designed to treat up to 260,000 m3 of wastewater daily, serving the majority of Wellington City, while Seaview primarily serves the Hutt Valley. 

Reported recently, Upper Hutt has one of the lowest debt transfers and has from council reports some of the best maintained pipes in the region.

So why is it that Upper Hutt, with only one vote at the Tiaki Wai board, some of the best pipes and a low debt transfer will be impacted by so much?

Where are the business continuity plans, where was the strategic investment?

Ultimately, as of the 1st of July 2026 all these debts will be spread amongst us all in the Wellington Region.

https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/586019/damage-to-moa-point-wastewater-plant-as-bad-as-we-feared-wellington-water?

Regards

NZ Empowered

A “thank you” to NZ Empowered for sending this letter to The Upper Hutt Connection.

05/02/26