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Water infrastructure stories

Even free staff wouldn't plug one Waikato water body's funding gap, CEO says
Sustainability

Even free staff wouldn't plug one Waikato water body's funding gap, CEO says

Households in Waikato and Hamilton face higher water bills as IAWAI says more than $200 million in maintenance is needed to avoid service failure.

By Jordan Smith • 3 min read • Today
Lower rates and better services 'a bit unrealistic', economist says
Statistics NZ

Lower rates and better services 'a bit unrealistic', economist says

Ratepayers could face poorer roads and water systems if councils are forced to hold increases down, a leading economist says.

By Jordan Smith • 3 min read • Last week
Red tape stalls water leak fix in Carterton
Local Government

Red tape stalls water leak fix in Carterton

Red tape over private property access has delayed leak repairs in Carterton, where an estimated 500,000 litres of water was lost.

By Emily Ireland • 4 min read • Last week
Infrastructure scorecard finds broad party agreement
Financing

Infrastructure scorecard finds broad party agreement

The group says cross-party backing could give next Parliament the stability to plan and fund major projects with less policy churn.

By Mara Sugue • 4 min read • This month
Downer wins top Bay of Plenty civil contractors award
Downer

Downer wins top Bay of Plenty civil contractors award

The Tauriko enabling works near Tauranga finished ahead of schedule and 8 per cent under budget, earning Downer the Supreme Award.

By Mara Sugue • 4 min read • This month
Ashburton councillor warns pay-per-litre water charges 'within five years'
Local Government

Ashburton councillor warns pay-per-litre water charges 'within five years'

Households in Mid Canterbury could soon face metered water bills, as Ashburton Council warns the proposed charging model may be compulsory within five years.

By Jonathan Leask • 4 min read • Last month
Boaties face new biosecurity gate at popular Northland lake
Sustainability

Boaties face new biosecurity gate at popular Northland lake

Boaties launching at Lake Taharoa must use a new automated gate and PIN system as Northland steps up action against the invasive freshwater clam.

By Susan Botting • 4 min read • Last month
Tai Tokerau councils tell $1.4b Northland Waters: Put affordability first
Northland

Tai Tokerau councils tell $1.4b Northland Waters: Put affordability first

Households could face higher bills as Northland's councils push the new water provider to prioritise affordability over investment pressures.

By Susan Botting • 4 min read • Last month
30,000 people in Wellington region fail to pay first Tiaki Wai water bill
Commerce Commission

30,000 people in Wellington region fail to pay first Tiaki Wai water bill

More than a fifth of Wellington region accounts are in arrears, adding pressure on Tiaki Wai as second bills go out next month.

By Ellen O'Dwyer • 5 min read • Last month
Exclusive: Water done well reshapes councils' finances & plans
Commerce Commission

Exclusive: Water done well reshapes councils' finances & plans

Councils face around $50 billion of water upgrades over the next decade, as ring-fenced funding finally tackles decades of neglect.

By Mike Bishara • 9 min read • Last month
Commerce Commission confirms it will not step in to keep Wellington water bills down
Commerce Commission

Commerce Commission confirms it will not step in to keep Wellington water bills down

Residents face higher Wellington water bills after the Commerce Commission said Tiaki Wai's costs still justify rises and no cap is needed now.

By Ellen O'Dwyer and Nine to Noon • 3 min read • Last month
Fate of rural Canterbury water supply on boil notice could be in community hands
Water infrastructure

Fate of rural Canterbury water supply on boil notice could be in community hands

Residents in Montalto have six months to devise a takeover plan for their ageing water scheme, after the council delayed some upgrade work.

By Jonathan Leask • 5 min read • Last month
Deputy mayor estimates price of fixing Wellington's pipes at $80k per ratepayer over 25 years
Commerce Commission

Deputy mayor estimates price of fixing Wellington's pipes at $80k per ratepayer over 25 years

Wellington households face mounting pressure as fixing ageing pipes could add more than $80,000 to each ratepayer over 25 years.

By Ellen O'Dwyer • 4 min read • Last month
Featherston water race bylaw lapse leaks through policy cracks
Local Government

Featherston water race bylaw lapse leaks through policy cracks

Residents and farmers face weaker protection for a 40-kilometre rural water supply after Featherston's bylaw expired two years ago.

By Emily Ireland • 3 min read • Last month
Rangiora's failing water pipes set for 'once in a generation' overhaul
Heavy Rain

Rangiora's failing water pipes set for 'once in a generation' overhaul

Businesses in Rangiora face months of disruption as ageing mains under High Street are replaced to avoid further bursts and flooding.

By David Hill • 3 min read • Last month
Water security a step closer for Tararua township
Opinion

Water security a step closer for Tararua township

Residents in Pahiatua are set for fewer boil-water scares as Tararua District Council starts a year-long $4 million network upgrade.

By Rebecca Hogan • 2 min read • Last month

Stories from Other Regions

Water infrastructure stories

The water utilities sector is becoming more connected, but its identity security needs to catch up
Multi-factor authentication

The water utilities sector is becoming more connected, but its identity security needs to catch up

More connected water networks are widening the risk of stolen logins disrupting treatment, service delivery and public confidence.

By Geoff Schomburgk • 4 min read • 3 days ago
Zhi Sheng lands USD $590 million loan for Thailand AI hub
Construction

Zhi Sheng lands USD $590 million loan for Thailand AI hub

The Thai project has moved deeper into construction after a seven-year bank facility was secured against expected long-term rental income.

By Karen Joy Bacudo • 4 min read • Last week