Recent reporting by RNZ on rising water charges across the Wellington region raises an important question for Upper Hutt residents: why do projected costs appear higher for our community than for others in the region?

The RNZ article (https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/590521/wellingtonians-face-average-2400-water-bill-next-year-massive-increases-to-follow) highlights that households could face significant increases in water charges, with further rises expected in the years ahead. The Chair of Tiaki Wai, Will Peet said “this year the exact amount of bills would vary from city to city and property to property, in the same way rates varied.  For example, Porirua residents would pay an average increase of $368 per year for water charges, Lower Hutt residents an extra $349, Upper Hutt residents an extra $278 and Wellington residents an extra $275.”

Late last year, I formally asked Upper Hutt City Council for clarity on the transfer of our water assets to the new regional entity, Tiaki Wai Metro Water Ltd.  My questions focused on asset valuation, recognition of past investment, debt transfer, and how costs would ultimately be shared between communities.

At the time, key information, including final asset valuations was still incomplete.  Despite this, council proceeded with adopting the founding arrangements.

Now, as public discussion shifts toward the real cost of water services, we are beginning to see indications that pricing may not be evenly distributed across the region.  If Upper Hutt residents are expected to pay more than Wellington residents, it is reasonable to ask Why and how does that align with the value of our assets, our past investment in infrastructure, and our share of governance in the new entity.

As responsibility transitions to Tiaki Wai, there is a real risk that accountability becomes less clear for ratepayers.  It is likely that our council will start directing us to the new entity for answers, even though the decisions that shaped these outcomes were made by our council.

In the interest of transparency, Upper Hutt City Council should continue to clearly explain how these arrangements were agreed to, what they mean for our community, and how our interests are being represented going forward.

This expectation is not unreasonable.  Transparency and open communication were key commitments made by current councillors during their campaigns, and by Mayor Peri Zee as part of her leadership platform.  Those commitments matter most when decisions are complex, information is incomplete, and the financial impact on residents is significant.

These are not new concerns.  They were raised by multiple residents before decisions were made.  What has changed is that those concerns are now becoming tangible.

Upper Hutt residents deserve clear, accessible information about how water charges are being calculated, how costs are allocated across the region, and why our community may be facing higher costs.

Without that transparency, it becomes difficult for residents to have confidence in the decisions that have been made on their behalf.

A “thank you” to Rachel Kingi for sending this letter to The Upper Hutt Connection.

07/04/26