As of today, 1 July 2025, Watercare is financially separated from Auckland Council. This enables Watercare to leverage their own assets (which have a much longer lifespan) to raise the $13.8 billion they need to address the challenges we're facing. It reduces the risk for council and enables Watercare to raise a lot more without massive increases in water or property rates.
While water and wastewater prices increase by 7.2%, this is much lower than the 25.8% alternative if the separation didn't occur. Pricing is now regulated by the Commerce Commission, which will monitor and report on performance regularly.
Over the next year, Watercare plans to invest approximately $1 billion in new and upgraded infrastructure. The programme also includes a six-fold increase in the replacement of existing water and wastewater pipes. These renewals are a key step toward improving service reliability, reducing leaks, and minimising wastewater overflows.
This is a great outcome for Auckland!
Read more here: https://www.watercare.co.nz/home/about-us/latest-news-and-media/we-start-new-era-as-financially-independent-water-company