Government progresses consumer protections for three waters services

This Bill establishes an economic regulation and consumer protection regime for New Zealand’s three waters system, which is made up of drinking water, wastewater and stormwater. The regime will help ensure consumers are receiving efficient services at prices that can be justified. It will put protections in place for New Zealand consumers so they can expect a certain level of service when they contact a water supplier with a query or complaint, clear communication about network outages, and transparency from their supplier about how water services are billed.

The regime will be overseen by the Commerce Commission, and a Water Services Commissioner will be established within the Commission. The Consumer Advocacy Council’s scope will also be broadened so that it can advocate on behalf of water consumers, and an independent dispute resolution scheme will be established to resolve disputes between consumers and water suppliers.

This regime is expected to be implemented in a staged approach.

Read more about the economic regulation and consumer protection regime for three waters services

Read the Minister's press release(external link) — Beehive.govt.nz

Follow the progress of the Three Waters Economic Efficiency and Consumer Protection Bill on the New Zealand Parliament website.

Water Services Economic Efficiency and Consumer Protection Bill(external link) — New Zealand Parliament Pāremata Aotearoa