Watercare leads conversation on Auckland’s water future

Auckland’s long-term water needs and the choices involved in meeting them were the focus of Auckland Conversations: Our Water. Our Future. at the Aotea Centre on Tuesday.

Hosted by Watercare and Auckland Council, the event brought together perspectives from the water sector, local government, mana whenua and younger generations for a big-picture conversation about Auckland’s water future.

Watercare chief executive Jamie Sinclair was joined on the panel by Water New Zealand chief executive Gillian Blythe, Auckland councillor Richard Hills, Ngā Maunga Whakahī o Kaipara Development Trust chief executive Ngārimu Blair and youth advocate Annmarie Holst.

Sinclair said Auckland’s future depended on safe, reliable and resilient water and wastewater services that protect public health, support growth and contribute to healthier beaches, harbours and waterways.

“Around 1.8 million Aucklanders rely on our services every day. Sustained investment means safer and more reliable services, fewer disruptions, healthier waterways and the infrastructure needed for new homes and businesses,” Sinclair said.

“If we delay necessary work, we face a greater risk of pipe failures, leaks, service interruptions and wastewater overflows. It can also make these problems more expensive to fix later.”

The event connected these infrastructure needs with the outcomes Aucklanders value and explored choices about investment priorities, timing, funding and how costs should be allocated.

Deputy Mayor Desley Simpson said long-term water planning was critical to ensuring Auckland is ready for the future.

“Reliable water and wastewater services are essential to Auckland. By looking after what we have and investing wisely for the future, we can help keep costs manageable over the long term and make sure these services continue to support Auckland for decades to come,” Simpson said.

Sinclair said that while these may be challenging conversations, they are essential for making well-informed decisions about Auckland’s long-term water needs.

“We need to make the right long-term investment choices while recognising the financial pressures facing households, businesses and developers. Aucklanders deserve clear information about the priorities, the timing, what the investment will deliver and how costs could be shared.”

The conversation explored Watercare’s long-term planning through Our Water. Our Future, including its proposed Water Services Strategy.

Watercare is planning $15.2 billion of capital investment over the next 10 years, covering more than 1,000 projects across nine programmes. The programmes and proposed expenditure, which is subject to regulatory scrutiny by the Commerce Commission, would renew ageing infrastructure, improve services and environmental outcomes, strengthen resilience, and support growth.

Watercare is also changing how it plans, prioritises and delivers investment so spending is focused on the assets and projects that are needed most, meet regulatory requirements and provide the greatest value.

Alongside the strategy, Watercare is also reviewing its pricing approach, so charges better reflect the cost of providing services and supporting growth, while recognising affordability pressures. Investment plans, pricing and regulatory settings will need to work together to support Watercare’s long-term financial sustainability and ensure costs are shared appropriately.

Watercare will be engaging with mana whenua, elected members, communities and key stakeholder groups ahead of formal public consultation, which is planned to begin early next year, in coordination with Auckland Council’s Long-term Plan process.

“We want to hear different perspectives, including mana whenua aspirations for healthy wai and the responsibilities we have to future generations,” Sinclair said.

“Through Our Water. Our Future, Aucklanders will have an opportunity to understand the choices, tell us what matters to them and help shape the final approach.”

More information about the Water Services Strategy, pricing review and consultation will be provided before consultation begins.