Local Government (Water Services) Act 2025
Summary of changes
These summaries explain recent changes to the law. They are generated by AI comparing versions of the legislation, so they might oversimplify, miss details, or get things wrong. Learn more about how we track these changes.


31 August 2025
- Multiple provisions were updated
Affected provisions
- 1: TitleMultiple provisions were updated
- 2: Contents of transfer agreementsMultiple provisions were updated
- 3: PurposeMultiple provisions were updated
- 3: Contents of water services strategyMultiple provisions were updated
- 4: InterpretationMultiple provisions were updated
- 4: Contents of water services annual reportMultiple provisions were updated
- 5: Transitional, savings, and related provisionsMultiple provisions were updated
- 6: Act binds the CrownMultiple provisions were updated
- 7: All persons must act consistently with Treaty settlement obligationsMultiple provisions were updated
- 8: Outline of this PartMultiple provisions were updated
- 9: Territorial authority responsible for water servicesMultiple provisions were updated
- 10: How territorial authority ensures water services providedMultiple provisions were updated
- 11: Exception: transport corridorsMultiple provisions were updated
- 12: Transfer agreement with water organisationMultiple provisions were updated
- 13: Territorial authority’s actions before entering transfer agreementMultiple provisions were updated
- 14: Purpose and effect of transfer agreementMultiple provisions were updated
- 15: When new transfer agreement requiredMultiple provisions were updated
- 16: Transfer agreements to be publishedMultiple provisions were updated
- 17: Objectives of water service providersMultiple provisions were updated
- 18: Financial principles for water service providersMultiple provisions were updated
- 19: Obligation to continue water servicesMultiple provisions were updated
- 20: General duty to retain ownership of infrastructure, etcMultiple provisions were updated
- 21: Franchises and concession agreements prohibitedMultiple provisions were updated
- 22: Contracts for providing water servicesMultiple provisions were updated
- 23: Obligations before entering into contractsMultiple provisions were updated
- 24: Significant contract requirementsMultiple provisions were updated
- 25: Third party to give information to water service provider on requestMultiple provisions were updated
- 26: Joint water service provider arrangementsMultiple provisions were updated
- 27: ApplicationMultiple provisions were updated
- 28: Further applicationMultiple provisions were updated
- 29: Interaction of sections 30 to 33 with other legislationMultiple provisions were updated
- 30: Identification and assessment of optionsMultiple provisions were updated
- 31: Consultation requiredMultiple provisions were updated
- 32: Information to be made publicly availableMultiple provisions were updated
- 33: Additional considerations for collective areaMultiple provisions were updated
- 34: Territorial authority’s policyMultiple provisions were updated
- 35: Water organisation’s policy: content and purposeMultiple provisions were updated
- 36: Water organisation’s policy: specific contentMultiple provisions were updated
- 37: Water organisation’s policy: preparation and amendmentMultiple provisions were updated
- 38: Water organisation’s policy: deviation from policyMultiple provisions were updated
- 39: Purpose of this subpartMultiple provisions were updated
- 40: How regional councils provide water servicesMultiple provisions were updated
- 41: Transfer of responsibilities to territorial authoritiesMultiple provisions were updated
- 42: Transfer agreement with water organisationMultiple provisions were updated
- 43: Application of this Act to water services role of regional councilsMultiple provisions were updated
- 44: Establishment of water organisationMultiple provisions were updated
- 45: Nature and ownership of water organisationMultiple provisions were updated
- 46: Limited role of water organisationMultiple provisions were updated
- 47: Territorial authorities with existing contracts, etc, relating to water servicesMultiple provisions were updated
- 48: Board directorsMultiple provisions were updated
- 49: Purposes of sections 50 to 63Multiple provisions were updated
- 50: Territorial authority may establish consumer trustMultiple provisions were updated
- 51: Role of trustees of consumer trustsMultiple provisions were updated
- 52: Trust deed: contentMultiple provisions were updated
- 53: Trust deed: general limitationMultiple provisions were updated
- 54: Trust deed: specific limitationsMultiple provisions were updated
- 55: Trust deed: Secretary approvalMultiple provisions were updated
- 56: Trustees: election, term, and scope of roleMultiple provisions were updated
- 57: Trustee elections: principlesMultiple provisions were updated
- 58: Financial statements and auditsMultiple provisions were updated
- 59: Annual reportMultiple provisions were updated
- 60: Trustees’ indemnity and liabilityMultiple provisions were updated
- 61: Variation of trust deed: Secretary approvalMultiple provisions were updated
- 62: Termination and expiry of trustMultiple provisions were updated
- 63: Ministerial powersMultiple provisions were updated
- 64: Applications for exemptionsMultiple provisions were updated
- 65: Process for considering application for exemptionMultiple provisions were updated
- 66: Exemption orderMultiple provisions were updated
- 67: Publication of reliance on exemptionMultiple provisions were updated
- 69: Assessment of communities’ access to drinking waterMultiple provisions were updated
- 70: Obligations in relation to completed drinking water assessmentMultiple provisions were updated
- 71: Assessment of communities’ stormwater and wastewater servicesMultiple provisions were updated
- 72: Provider to ensure water supply when existing supplier facing significant problem, etcMultiple provisions were updated
- 73: Power to close down or transfer small water serviceMultiple provisions were updated
- 74: Assessments, etc, required for closure or transfer of water serviceMultiple provisions were updated
- 75: Conduct of referendumMultiple provisions were updated
- 76: Application of this subpartMultiple provisions were updated
- 77: Definitions for this subpartMultiple provisions were updated
- 78: Territorial authority must submit water services delivery planMultiple provisions were updated
- 79: Water services delivery plans: adoption and consultationMultiple provisions were updated
- 80: Subsequent proposal to make structural change to providing water servicesMultiple provisions were updated
- 81: Ministerial powers in relation to water services delivery plansMultiple provisions were updated
- 83: Secretary may require territorial authority to submit water services delivery planMultiple provisions were updated
- 84: Application of this subpartMultiple provisions were updated
- 85: Purpose of this subpartMultiple provisions were updated
- 86: Water organisation may set chargesMultiple provisions were updated
- 87: Setting charges for stormwater services: additional requirementsMultiple provisions were updated
- 88: Serviceability charge for property not connected to networkMultiple provisions were updated
- 89: Charges set by new water organisationMultiple provisions were updated
- 90: Disapplication of limit on revenue from ratesMultiple provisions were updated
- 91: Water organisation must publish list of chargesMultiple provisions were updated
- 92: Water organisation and territorial authority must not both charge for water serviceMultiple provisions were updated
- 93: Charges when responsibility for setting water services charges transferred during rating yearMultiple provisions were updated
- 94: Liability for water services chargesMultiple provisions were updated
- 95: Water services charges for separately used or inhabited parts of propertyMultiple provisions were updated
- 96: Liability for water services charges for Māori landMultiple provisions were updated
- 97: Rating unit on Māori freehold land may be divided into separate rating areasMultiple provisions were updated
- 98: Limitation on trustee liability for water services chargesMultiple provisions were updated
- 99: Charging order in favour of owner paying water services chargesMultiple provisions were updated
- 100: Water services charges are debtMultiple provisions were updated
- 101: Water organisation may waive charges and penaltiesMultiple provisions were updated
- 102: Water organisation must adopt and publish waiver policyMultiple provisions were updated
- 103: Authorisation of penaltiesMultiple provisions were updated
- 104: Penalty may be imposed on previous unpaid penaltyMultiple provisions were updated
- 105: Information needed by water organisationMultiple provisions were updated
- 106: Rating information that may not be withheldMultiple provisions were updated
- 107: Water organisation must provide charging information to territorial authoritiesMultiple provisions were updated
- 108: Information required for land information memorandaMultiple provisions were updated
- 109: InterpretationMultiple provisions were updated
- 110: Watercare must not require development contributionMultiple provisions were updated
- 111: Purpose of development contributionsMultiple provisions were updated
- 112: Development contributions principlesMultiple provisions were updated
- 113: Power to require contributions for developmentsMultiple provisions were updated
- 114: Limit on requiring contributions for developmentsMultiple provisions were updated
- 115: Information sharing for development contributionsMultiple provisions were updated
- 116: Limits on power to require development contributionsMultiple provisions were updated
- 117: Consequential limits on territorial authority’s policy on development contributions or financial contributionsMultiple provisions were updated
- 118: Basis on which water organisation may require development contributionsMultiple provisions were updated
- 119: Development contributions policyMultiple provisions were updated
- 120: Initial development contributions policyMultiple provisions were updated
- 121: Development contributions policy and methodology must be available for public inspectionMultiple provisions were updated
- 122: Contents of development contributions policyMultiple provisions were updated
- 123: Schedule of assets for which development contributions will be usedMultiple provisions were updated
- 124: Schedule of development contributionsMultiple provisions were updated
- 125: Development contributions policy must contain reconsideration processMultiple provisions were updated
- 126: Maximum development contributionsMultiple provisions were updated
- 127: Agreement to administer development contributions policyMultiple provisions were updated
- 128: Territorial authority may extend development contributions policy to water organisationMultiple provisions were updated
- 129: Transfer to new water organisationMultiple provisions were updated
- 130: Limitation on use of transferred contributionsMultiple provisions were updated
- 131: Right to reconsideration of requirement for development contributionMultiple provisions were updated
- 132: Water organisation to notify outcome of reconsiderationMultiple provisions were updated
- 133: Right to object to development contributionMultiple provisions were updated
- 134: Scope of objectionsMultiple provisions were updated
- 135: Procedure for objectionsMultiple provisions were updated
- 136: Costs of objectionsMultiple provisions were updated
- 137: Use of development contributions by water organisationMultiple provisions were updated
- 138: Request to enter development agreementMultiple provisions were updated
- 139: Response to request to enter development agreementMultiple provisions were updated
- 140: Content of development agreementMultiple provisions were updated
- 141: Effect of development agreementMultiple provisions were updated
- 142: Restrictions on use of development agreementMultiple provisions were updated
- 143: Amendment or termination of development agreementMultiple provisions were updated
- 144: Powers of water organisation if development contributions not madeMultiple provisions were updated
- 145: Refund of money and return of land if development does not proceedMultiple provisions were updated
- 146: Crown exempt from development contributionsMultiple provisions were updated
- 147: Bylaws for purposes of connectionsMultiple provisions were updated
- 148: ApprovalMultiple provisions were updated
- 149: Application of water services bylaws for connectionsMultiple provisions were updated
- 150: Requirements of 3-step approval process for connectionsMultiple provisions were updated
- 151: Internal review of decision under bylaw for purposes of connectionMultiple provisions were updated
- 152: Decision of water service providerMultiple provisions were updated
- 153: Notice of decision on internal reviewMultiple provisions were updated
- 154: Stay of reviewable decision on internal reviewMultiple provisions were updated
- 155: Appeal to District CourtMultiple provisions were updated
- 156: Appeal to High CourtMultiple provisions were updated
- 157: Appeals to Court of Appeal or Supreme CourtMultiple provisions were updated
- 158: Obligation to publish water services network maps and capacity utilisation and asset detailsMultiple provisions were updated
- 159: Outline of this subpartMultiple provisions were updated
- 161: Power to enter land and carry out workMultiple provisions were updated
- 162: Notification of proposed entry and workMultiple provisions were updated
- 163: Owner’s notice of consent and conditionsMultiple provisions were updated
- 164: Provider must conduct internal reviewMultiple provisions were updated
- 165: Internal review processMultiple provisions were updated
- 166: When parties do not participateMultiple provisions were updated
- 167: Reviewer’s determinationMultiple provisions were updated
- 168: Appeal against internal review determinationMultiple provisions were updated
- 169: Requirement to produce evidence of authority and identityMultiple provisions were updated
- 170: Appeal to Māori Land CourtMultiple provisions were updated
- 171: Appeal to Māori Appellate CourtMultiple provisions were updated
- 172: Power to enter road and carry out workMultiple provisions were updated
- 173: Notice requirementMultiple provisions were updated
- 174: Water service provider to be notified of conditionsMultiple provisions were updated
- 175: Failure to notify conditionsMultiple provisions were updated
- 176: Power to enter level crossing and carry out workMultiple provisions were updated
- 177: Urgent work permittedMultiple provisions were updated
- 178: Appeal about conditions relating to work on roads and level crossingsMultiple provisions were updated
- 179: Service of orderMultiple provisions were updated
- 180: CompensationMultiple provisions were updated
- 181: Protection of water services infrastructureMultiple provisions were updated
- 182: Owners of land not responsible for maintenanceMultiple provisions were updated
- 183: Purchase of Crown landMultiple provisions were updated
- 184: InterpretationMultiple provisions were updated
- 185: Territorial authority must make trade waste discharge planMultiple provisions were updated
- 186: Territorial authority must consult on proposed trade waste discharge planMultiple provisions were updated
- 187: Bylaws proposed or recommended in trade waste discharge planMultiple provisions were updated
- 188: Territorial authority must consult on proposed or recommended trade waste bylawMultiple provisions were updated
- 189: Review of trade waste discharge plan and trade waste bylawsMultiple provisions were updated
- 190: Bylaw may authorise making trade waste permitsMultiple provisions were updated
- 191: Internal review of decision to decline trade waste permitMultiple provisions were updated
- 192: Decision of territorial authorityMultiple provisions were updated
- 193: Notice of decision on internal reviewMultiple provisions were updated
- 194: Stay of reviewable decision on internal reviewMultiple provisions were updated
- 195: Appeal to District CourtMultiple provisions were updated
- 196: Appeal to High CourtMultiple provisions were updated
- 197: Appeals to Court of Appeal or Supreme CourtMultiple provisions were updated
- 198: Delegation of trade waste bylawsMultiple provisions were updated
- 199: Application of this subpartMultiple provisions were updated
- 200: InterpretationMultiple provisions were updated
- 201: Stormwater network risk management planMultiple provisions were updated
- 202: More than 1 responsible water service providerMultiple provisions were updated
- 203: Content of stormwater network risk management planMultiple provisions were updated
- 204: Consultation on proposed planMultiple provisions were updated
- 205: Review of planMultiple provisions were updated
- 206: Stormwater network bylawsMultiple provisions were updated
- 207: Application of sections 208 to 210Multiple provisions were updated
- 208: Water service provider and private owner to manage critical infrastructure risksMultiple provisions were updated
- 209: Private owner who impairs stormwater flowMultiple provisions were updated
- 210: Private owner to notify water service provider of proposed activityMultiple provisions were updated
- 211: Service agreements for stormwater networkMultiple provisions were updated
- 212: Discharge of wastewater and trade wasteMultiple provisions were updated
- 213: Discharge of trade wasteMultiple provisions were updated
- 214: Restriction of water service to person who commits offence, etcMultiple provisions were updated
- 215: Water service providers must instal fire hydrantsMultiple provisions were updated
- 216: Territorial authority must place notice or mark near fire hydrantsMultiple provisions were updated
- 217: Water service providers must ensure water in pipes and available for extinguishing firesMultiple provisions were updated
- 218: Outline of this PartMultiple provisions were updated
- 219: Responsibilities under this PartMultiple provisions were updated
- 220: InterpretationMultiple provisions were updated
- 221: Part applies in place of provisions in LGA 2002Multiple provisions were updated
- 222: Failure to comply with this Part or water services strategyMultiple provisions were updated
- 223: Publication requirementsMultiple provisions were updated
- 224: Statement of expectationsMultiple provisions were updated
- 225: Statement of expectations for new water organisationMultiple provisions were updated
- 226: Water organisation must give effect to statement of expectationsMultiple provisions were updated
- 227: Content of statement of expectationsMultiple provisions were updated
- 228: Additional requirements of statement of expectationsMultiple provisions were updated
- 229: Statement of expectations: process and limitsMultiple provisions were updated
- 230: Water services strategyMultiple provisions were updated
- 231: Water services strategy for new water organisationMultiple provisions were updated
- 232: Purpose of water services strategyMultiple provisions were updated
- 233: Effect of adopting water services strategyMultiple provisions were updated
- 234: Contents of water services strategyMultiple provisions were updated
- 235: Process for making water services strategy: territorial authoritiesMultiple provisions were updated
- 236: Process for making water services strategy: water organisationsMultiple provisions were updated
- 237: Amending water services strategy: territorial authorityMultiple provisions were updated
- 238: Amending water services strategy: water organisationMultiple provisions were updated
- 239: Audit of water services strategyMultiple provisions were updated
- 240: Water services annual budgetMultiple provisions were updated
- 241: Contents of water services annual budgetMultiple provisions were updated
- 242: Process for making water services annual budgetMultiple provisions were updated
- 243: Water services annual report: water organisationMultiple provisions were updated
- 244: Annual report for new water organisationMultiple provisions were updated
- 245: Water services annual report: territorial authorityMultiple provisions were updated
- 246: Contents of water services annual reportMultiple provisions were updated
- 247: Auditor-General is auditor of water organisationMultiple provisions were updated
- 248: Water services half-yearly report: water organisationMultiple provisions were updated
- 249: Additional plans or reports: water organisationMultiple provisions were updated
- 250: Performance monitoring: water organisationsMultiple provisions were updated
- 251: Financial management: water organisationsMultiple provisions were updated
- 252: Borrowing in foreign currencyMultiple provisions were updated
- 253: Charges as securityMultiple provisions were updated
- 254: Obligation to consider cost-effectiveness of wastewater optionsMultiple provisions were updated
- 255: Consequences of transfer for purposes of Inland Revenue ActsMultiple provisions were updated
- 256: InterpretationMultiple provisions were updated
- 257: RegulationsMultiple provisions were updated
- 258: Power to make water services bylawsMultiple provisions were updated
- 259: Water organisation may propose making, amending, or revoking water services bylawMultiple provisions were updated
- 260: Bylaws proposed in source water risk management planMultiple provisions were updated
- 261: Territorial authority must consider proposalMultiple provisions were updated
- 262: Territorial authority may delegate functions or powers relating to water services bylawsMultiple provisions were updated
- 263: Initial review of bylawsMultiple provisions were updated
- 264: Ongoing review of water services bylawsMultiple provisions were updated
- 265: Water organisation must provide advice on requestMultiple provisions were updated
- 266: Water services bylaw not reviewed within specified time frame revokedMultiple provisions were updated
- 267: Power to make water services bylaws does not limit other powersMultiple provisions were updated
- 268: Bylaws Act 1910Multiple provisions were updated
- 269: Bylaw may provide for infringement offencesMultiple provisions were updated
- 270: Infringement offencesMultiple provisions were updated
- 271: Who may issue infringement noticesMultiple provisions were updated
- 272: When infringement notice may be issuedMultiple provisions were updated
- 273: Revocation of infringement notice before payment madeMultiple provisions were updated
- 274: What infringement notice must containMultiple provisions were updated
- 275: How infringement notice may be servedMultiple provisions were updated
- 276: Payment of infringement feesMultiple provisions were updated
- 277: Reminder noticesMultiple provisions were updated
- 278: Compliance officersMultiple provisions were updated
- 279: Identity cardsMultiple provisions were updated
- 280: Suspension and ending of appointment of compliance officersMultiple provisions were updated
- 281: Purpose of compliance powersMultiple provisions were updated
- 282: Power to take and test samplesMultiple provisions were updated
- 283: Power to obtain informationMultiple provisions were updated
- 284: Power to require name, date of birth, and addressMultiple provisions were updated
- 285: Power to questionMultiple provisions were updated
- 286: Powers of entry and inspectionMultiple provisions were updated
- 287: Power to enter place without search warrantMultiple provisions were updated
- 288: Notice of entryMultiple provisions were updated
- 289: Power to enter place with consent or search warrantMultiple provisions were updated
- 290: Authority to actMultiple provisions were updated
- 291: Delegation of power to issue warrants to compliance officersMultiple provisions were updated
- 292: Continuation of powers of entry and inspection without search warrantsMultiple provisions were updated
- 293: Conditions of entry, search, and seizureMultiple provisions were updated
- 294: Compliance with Building Act 2004Multiple provisions were updated
- 295: Power to ask for assistanceMultiple provisions were updated
- 296: Protection of persons acting under authority of ActMultiple provisions were updated
- 297: Power to serve compliance orderMultiple provisions were updated
- 298: Compliance with compliance orderMultiple provisions were updated
- 299: Form and content of compliance orderMultiple provisions were updated
- 300: Compliance order may be varied or cancelledMultiple provisions were updated
- 301: Formal irregularities or defects in orderMultiple provisions were updated
- 302: When chief executive may take remedial actionMultiple provisions were updated
- 303: Power of chief executive to take other remedial actionMultiple provisions were updated
- 304: Costs of remedial actionMultiple provisions were updated
- 305: Protection of Māori land against execution for debtMultiple provisions were updated
- 306: Chief executive may delegateMultiple provisions were updated
- 307: Carrying out building work over or near water services infrastructure without approvalMultiple provisions were updated
- 308: Engaging in conduct relating to water supply network that causes specified serious riskMultiple provisions were updated
- 309: Negligently engaging in conduct relating to water supply network that causes specified serious riskMultiple provisions were updated
- 310: Discharging into water supply network without authorisationMultiple provisions were updated
- 311: Connecting to or disconnecting from water supply network or supplying water to another person without authorisationMultiple provisions were updated
- 312: Disposing of materials or substances into wastewater network causing specified serious riskMultiple provisions were updated
- 313: Negligently disposing of materials or substances into wastewater network causing specified serious riskMultiple provisions were updated
- 314: Connecting to, disconnecting from, or discharging into wastewater network without authorisationMultiple provisions were updated
- 315: Engaging in conduct relating to wastewater network that causes specified serious riskMultiple provisions were updated
- 316: Negligently engaging in conduct relating to wastewater network that causes specified serious riskMultiple provisions were updated
- 317: Discharging trade waste without trade waste permitMultiple provisions were updated
- 318: Breach of trade waste permitMultiple provisions were updated
- 319: Disposing of or discharging materials or substances into stormwater network causing specified serious riskMultiple provisions were updated
- 320: Negligently disposing of or discharging materials or substances into stormwater network causing specified serious riskMultiple provisions were updated
- 321: Engaging in conduct relating to stormwater network that causes specified serious riskMultiple provisions were updated
- 322: Connecting to or disconnecting from, or discharging materials or substances into, stormwater network without authorisationMultiple provisions were updated
- 323: Negligently engaging in conduct relating to stormwater network that causes specified serious riskMultiple provisions were updated
- 324: Carrying out work on or in relation to water supply network, wastewater network, or stormwater network without authorisationMultiple provisions were updated
- 325: Breach of source water risk management plan or permitMultiple provisions were updated
- 326: Breach of duty in stormwater network bylaw: breach causes specified serious riskMultiple provisions were updated
- 327: Failure to comply with water services bylaw relating to equipment or device: failure causes specified serious riskMultiple provisions were updated
- 328: Failure to notify water service provider of notifiable risk or hazard: failure causes specified serious riskMultiple provisions were updated
- 329: Failure to comply with water use restriction or limitMultiple provisions were updated
- 330: Breach of bylaw relating to undertaking specified classes of work near, under, or above water supply network, wastewater network, or stormwater networkMultiple provisions were updated
- 331: Failure to comply with direction given by compliance officerMultiple provisions were updated
- 332: Failure to comply with compliance order or court orderMultiple provisions were updated
- 333: Tampering with water meterMultiple provisions were updated
- 334: Intentionally hindering or obstructing employee or agent of territorial authority or water organisationMultiple provisions were updated
- 335: Intentionally threatening or assaulting employee or agent of territorial authority or water organisationMultiple provisions were updated
- 336: Pretending to be compliance officer, employee, agent, or warrant holder of territorial authority or water organisationMultiple provisions were updated
- 337: Defences in prosecution for strict liability offencesMultiple provisions were updated
- 338: Minister to initiate reviewMultiple provisions were updated
- 339: Scope of review of water services systemMultiple provisions were updated
- 340: Terms of referenceMultiple provisions were updated
- 341: Minister must appoint reviewerMultiple provisions were updated
- 342: Conduct of reviewMultiple provisions were updated
- 343: Reviewer’s power to request informationMultiple provisions were updated
- 344: ReportMultiple provisions were updated
- 345: Minister’s obligations on receiving reportMultiple provisions were updated
