Water entities need crown debt backing at start-up: Tim Brown

Water entities need crown debt backing at start-up: Tim Brown
Infratil bigwig-turned-Wellington city councillor Tim Brown. (Image: Infratil)
Pattrick Smellie
Central government should be willing to support the country’s 10 new water service entities with between $20 billion and $30b of debt in their first couple of years while they become established, according to former Infratil senior executive Tim Brown.He was appearing before the government and administration select committee in his role as a Wellington city councillor for hearings on the Water Entities Amendment Bill, which the government intends to pass before the election.The bill sets the legal framework for establishing 10 regional wa...

More Policy

Govt announces first three 'regional deal' contenders
Policy

Govt announces first three 'regional deal' contenders

Ministers want regions to consider 'asset recycling', among other funding tools.

‘Bluewater backbone’: Lyttelton, Auckland ports plan $1b+ of upgrades
Policy

‘Bluewater backbone’: Lyttelton, Auckland ports plan $1b+ of upgrades

Two of the biggest NZ ports are raising prices as they plan major investments.

'There are some firms in NZ I won’t touch'
Policy

'There are some firms in NZ I won’t touch'

Adam Feeley on the reluctance to call out poor performers in NZ infrastructure sector.

Oliver Lewis 30 Jun 2025
Govt mandates high-rise zoning around key CRL stations
Policy

Govt mandates high-rise zoning around key CRL stations

Auckland Council will need to provide for building heights of at least 10-15 storeys.

Oliver Lewis 25 Jun 2025