Water reforms come with $46b bill

Water reforms come with $46b bill
Pattrick Smellie
Previous estimates of the cost of upgrading New Zealand’s drinking and wastewater systems are between a fifth and a 10th of the likely true cost, according to new analysis for the government’s ‘3 waters’ reform programme.Estimates that earlier put the cost of capital works to upgrade the country’s ageing water infrastructure at close to $5 billion have been revealed to cover only the upgrades of pumping stations and treatment plants.The additional cost of upgrading underground pipes — let alone extending them...

More Policy

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
KiwiSaver providers want more out of retirement reform
Policy

KiwiSaver providers want more out of retirement reform

The Retirement Commissioner says KiwiSaver does not work equally well for everyone.

Digital Investment Plan expected this month
Policy

Digital Investment Plan expected this month

Health NZ to release its 10-year Digital Investment Plan in Christchurch.

Cécile Meier 14 Nov 2025