Full steam ahead on Three Waters reforms: bill before Christmas

Full steam ahead on Three Waters reforms: bill before Christmas
Local government minister Nanaia Mahuta meets Auckland mayor Wayne Brown on three waters reform last month (Image: Auckland Council)
Pattrick Smellie
The government will use its parliamentary majority to push through its unpopular Three Waters Reform Programme before the next election. The second tranche of legislation to complete the reforms is due in parliament before Christmas.A spokesman for the leader of the House, Chris Hipkins, confirmed that legislation to set up an economic regulation regime to control price-setting by the proposed four new regional water entities will be introduced either next week or the week after.If it's not introduced before Christmas, the legislation...

More Policy

Govt proposes major council overhaul
Policy

Govt proposes major council overhaul

Regional councillors to be deposed, mayors empowered, and amalgamation put on the table.

Thomas Manch 25 Nov 2025
FIF tax creator says ‘sorry’, but wants deeper reform
Policy

FIF tax creator says ‘sorry’, but wants deeper reform

Economist Peter Wilson says the Government's FIF changes need to go further.

Dileepa Fonseka 25 Nov 2025
Treasury strategist: NZ needs to tax capital income
Policy

Treasury strategist: NZ needs to tax capital income

Struan Little says it’s not a question of whether we should tax capital, but how.

Dileepa Fonseka 21 Nov 2025
The back-to-front ferry deal
Opinion

Pattrick Smellie: The back-to-front ferry deal

Will the wharves be ready when the new ferries arrive?

Pattrick Smellie 20 Nov 2025