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: Title Multiple provisions were updated
- 2: Contents of transfer agreements Multiple provisions were updated
- 3: Purpose Multiple provisions were updated
- 3: Contents of water services strategy Multiple provisions were updated
- 4: Interpretation Multiple provisions were updated
- 4: Contents of water services annual report Multiple provisions were updated
- 5: Transitional, savings, and related provisions Multiple provisions were updated
- 6: Act binds the Crown Multiple provisions were updated
- 7: All persons must act consistently with Treaty settlement obligations Multiple provisions were updated
- 8: Outline of this Part Multiple provisions were updated
- 9: Territorial authority responsible for water services Multiple provisions were updated
- 10: How territorial authority ensures water services provided Multiple provisions were updated
- 11: Exception: transport corridors Multiple provisions were updated
- 12: Transfer agreement with water organisation Multiple provisions were updated
- 13: Territorial authority’s actions before entering transfer agreement Multiple provisions were updated
- 14: Purpose and effect of transfer agreement Multiple provisions were updated
- 15: When new transfer agreement required Multiple provisions were updated
- 16: Transfer agreements to be published Multiple provisions were updated
- 17: Objectives of water service providers Multiple provisions were updated
- 18: Financial principles for water service providers Multiple provisions were updated
- 19: Obligation to continue water services Multiple provisions were updated
- 20: General duty to retain ownership of infrastructure, etc Multiple provisions were updated
- 21: Franchises and concession agreements prohibited Multiple provisions were updated
- 22: Contracts for providing water services Multiple provisions were updated
- 23: Obligations before entering into contracts Multiple provisions were updated
- 24: Significant contract requirements Multiple provisions were updated
- 25: Third party to give information to water service provider on request Multiple provisions were updated
- 26: Joint water service provider arrangements Multiple provisions were updated
- 27: Application Multiple provisions were updated
- 28: Further application Multiple provisions were updated
- 29: Interaction of sections 30 to 33 with other legislation Multiple provisions were updated
- 30: Identification and assessment of options Multiple provisions were updated
- 31: Consultation required Multiple provisions were updated
- 32: Information to be made publicly available Multiple provisions were updated
- 33: Additional considerations for collective area Multiple provisions were updated
- 34: Territorial authority’s policy Multiple provisions were updated
- 35: Water organisation’s policy: content and purpose Multiple provisions were updated
- 36: Water organisation’s policy: specific content Multiple provisions were updated
- 37: Water organisation’s policy: preparation and amendment Multiple provisions were updated
- 38: Water organisation’s policy: deviation from policy Multiple provisions were updated
- 39: Purpose of this subpart Multiple provisions were updated
- 40: How regional councils provide water services Multiple provisions were updated
- 41: Transfer of responsibilities to territorial authorities Multiple provisions were updated
- 42: Transfer agreement with water organisation Multiple provisions were updated
- 43: Application of this Act to water services role of regional councils Multiple provisions were updated
- 44: Establishment of water organisation Multiple provisions were updated
- 45: Nature and ownership of water organisation Multiple provisions were updated
- 46: Limited role of water organisation Multiple provisions were updated
- 47: Territorial authorities with existing contracts, etc, relating to water services Multiple provisions were updated
- 48: Board directors Multiple provisions were updated
- 49: Purposes of sections 50 to 63 Multiple provisions were updated
- 50: Territorial authority may establish consumer trust Multiple provisions were updated
- 51: Role of trustees of consumer trusts Multiple provisions were updated
- 52: Trust deed: content Multiple provisions were updated
- 53: Trust deed: general limitation Multiple provisions were updated
- 54: Trust deed: specific limitations Multiple provisions were updated
- 55: Trust deed: Secretary approval Multiple provisions were updated
- 56: Trustees: election, term, and scope of role Multiple provisions were updated
- 57: Trustee elections: principles Multiple provisions were updated
- 58: Financial statements and audits Multiple provisions were updated
- 59: Annual report Multiple provisions were updated
- 60: Trustees’ indemnity and liability Multiple provisions were updated
- 61: Variation of trust deed: Secretary approval Multiple provisions were updated
- 62: Termination and expiry of trust Multiple provisions were updated
- 63: Ministerial powers Multiple provisions were updated
- 64: Applications for exemptions Multiple provisions were updated
- 65: Process for considering application for exemption Multiple provisions were updated
- 66: Exemption order Multiple provisions were updated
- 67: Publication of reliance on exemption Multiple provisions were updated
- 69: Assessment of communities’ access to drinking water Multiple provisions were updated
- 70: Obligations in relation to completed drinking water assessment Multiple provisions were updated
- 71: Assessment of communities’ stormwater and wastewater services Multiple provisions were updated
- 72: Provider to ensure water supply when existing supplier facing significant problem, etc Multiple provisions were updated
- 73: Power to close down or transfer small water service Multiple provisions were updated
- 74: Assessments, etc, required for closure or transfer of water service Multiple provisions were updated
- 75: Conduct of referendum Multiple provisions were updated
- 76: Application of this subpart Multiple provisions were updated
- 77: Definitions for this subpart Multiple provisions were updated
- 78: Territorial authority must submit water services delivery plan Multiple provisions were updated
- 79: Water services delivery plans: adoption and consultation Multiple provisions were updated
- 80: Subsequent proposal to make structural change to providing water services Multiple provisions were updated
- 81: Ministerial powers in relation to water services delivery plans Multiple provisions were updated
- 83: Secretary may require territorial authority to submit water services delivery plan Multiple provisions were updated
- 84: Application of this subpart Multiple provisions were updated
- 85: Purpose of this subpart Multiple provisions were updated
- 86: Water organisation may set charges Multiple provisions were updated
- 87: Setting charges for stormwater services: additional requirements Multiple provisions were updated
- 88: Serviceability charge for property not connected to network Multiple provisions were updated
- 89: Charges set by new water organisation Multiple provisions were updated
- 90: Disapplication of limit on revenue from rates Multiple provisions were updated
- 91: Water organisation must publish list of charges Multiple provisions were updated
- 92: Water organisation and territorial authority must not both charge for water service Multiple provisions were updated
- 93: Charges when responsibility for setting water services charges transferred during rating year Multiple provisions were updated
- 94: Liability for water services charges Multiple provisions were updated
- 95: Water services charges for separately used or inhabited parts of property Multiple provisions were updated
- 96: Liability for water services charges for Māori land Multiple provisions were updated
- 97: Rating unit on Māori freehold land may be divided into separate rating areas Multiple provisions were updated
- 98: Limitation on trustee liability for water services charges Multiple provisions were updated
- 99: Charging order in favour of owner paying water services charges Multiple provisions were updated
- 100: Water services charges are debt Multiple provisions were updated
- 101: Water organisation may waive charges and penalties Multiple provisions were updated
- 102: Water organisation must adopt and publish waiver policy Multiple provisions were updated
- 103: Authorisation of penalties Multiple provisions were updated
- 104: Penalty may be imposed on previous unpaid penalty Multiple provisions were updated
- 105: Information needed by water organisation Multiple provisions were updated
- 106: Rating information that may not be withheld Multiple provisions were updated
- 107: Water organisation must provide charging information to territorial authorities Multiple provisions were updated
- 108: Information required for land information memoranda Multiple provisions were updated
- 109: Interpretation Multiple provisions were updated
- 110: Watercare must not require development contribution Multiple provisions were updated
- 111: Purpose of development contributions Multiple provisions were updated
- 112: Development contributions principles Multiple provisions were updated
- 113: Power to require contributions for developments Multiple provisions were updated
- 114: Limit on requiring contributions for developments Multiple provisions were updated
- 115: Information sharing for development contributions Multiple provisions were updated
- 116: Limits on power to require development contributions Multiple provisions were updated
- 117: Consequential limits on territorial authority’s policy on development contributions or financial contributions Multiple provisions were updated
- 118: Basis on which water organisation may require development contributions Multiple provisions were updated
- 119: Development contributions policy Multiple provisions were updated
- 120: Initial development contributions policy Multiple provisions were updated
- 121: Development contributions policy and methodology must be available for public inspection Multiple provisions were updated
- 122: Contents of development contributions policy Multiple provisions were updated
- 123: Schedule of assets for which development contributions will be used Multiple provisions were updated
- 124: Schedule of development contributions Multiple provisions were updated
- 125: Development contributions policy must contain reconsideration process Multiple provisions were updated
- 126: Maximum development contributions Multiple provisions were updated
- 127: Agreement to administer development contributions policy Multiple provisions were updated
- 128: Territorial authority may extend development contributions policy to water organisation Multiple provisions were updated
- 129: Transfer to new water organisation Multiple provisions were updated
- 130: Limitation on use of transferred contributions Multiple provisions were updated
- 131: Right to reconsideration of requirement for development contribution Multiple provisions were updated
- 132: Water organisation to notify outcome of reconsideration Multiple provisions were updated
- 133: Right to object to development contribution Multiple provisions were updated
- 134: Scope of objections Multiple provisions were updated
- 135: Procedure for objections Multiple provisions were updated
- 136: Costs of objections Multiple provisions were updated
- 137: Use of development contributions by water organisation Multiple provisions were updated
- 138: Request to enter development agreement Multiple provisions were updated
- 139: Response to request to enter development agreement Multiple provisions were updated
- 140: Content of development agreement Multiple provisions were updated
- 141: Effect of development agreement Multiple provisions were updated
- 142: Restrictions on use of development agreement Multiple provisions were updated
- 143: Amendment or termination of development agreement Multiple provisions were updated
- 144: Powers of water organisation if development contributions not made Multiple provisions were updated
- 145: Refund of money and return of land if development does not proceed Multiple provisions were updated
- 146: Crown exempt from development contributions Multiple provisions were updated
- 147: Bylaws for purposes of connections Multiple provisions were updated
- 148: Approval Multiple provisions were updated
- 149: Application of water services bylaws for connections Multiple provisions were updated
- 150: Requirements of 3-step approval process for connections Multiple provisions were updated
- 151: Internal review of decision under bylaw for purposes of connection Multiple provisions were updated
- 152: Decision of water service provider Multiple provisions were updated
- 153: Notice of decision on internal review Multiple provisions were updated
- 154: Stay of reviewable decision on internal review Multiple provisions were updated
- 155: Appeal to District Court Multiple provisions were updated
- 156: Appeal to High Court Multiple provisions were updated
- 157: Appeals to Court of Appeal or Supreme Court Multiple provisions were updated
- 158: Obligation to publish water services network maps and capacity utilisation and asset details Multiple provisions were updated
- 159: Outline of this subpart Multiple provisions were updated
- 161: Power to enter land and carry out work Multiple provisions were updated
- 162: Notification of proposed entry and work Multiple provisions were updated
- 163: Owner’s notice of consent and conditions Multiple provisions were updated
- 164: Provider must conduct internal review Multiple provisions were updated
- 165: Internal review process Multiple provisions were updated
- 166: When parties do not participate Multiple provisions were updated
- 167: Reviewer’s determination Multiple provisions were updated
- 168: Appeal against internal review determination Multiple provisions were updated
- 169: Requirement to produce evidence of authority and identity Multiple provisions were updated
- 170: Appeal to Māori Land Court Multiple provisions were updated
- 171: Appeal to Māori Appellate Court Multiple provisions were updated
- 172: Power to enter road and carry out work Multiple provisions were updated
- 173: Notice requirement Multiple provisions were updated
- 174: Water service provider to be notified of conditions Multiple provisions were updated
- 175: Failure to notify conditions Multiple provisions were updated
- 176: Power to enter level crossing and carry out work Multiple provisions were updated
- 177: Urgent work permitted Multiple provisions were updated
- 178: Appeal about conditions relating to work on roads and level crossings Multiple provisions were updated
- 179: Service of order Multiple provisions were updated
- 180: Compensation Multiple provisions were updated
- 181: Protection of water services infrastructure Multiple provisions were updated
- 182: Owners of land not responsible for maintenance Multiple provisions were updated
- 183: Purchase of Crown land Multiple provisions were updated
- 184: Interpretation Multiple provisions were updated
- 185: Territorial authority must make trade waste discharge plan Multiple provisions were updated
- 186: Territorial authority must consult on proposed trade waste discharge plan Multiple provisions were updated
- 187: Bylaws proposed or recommended in trade waste discharge plan Multiple provisions were updated
- 188: Territorial authority must consult on proposed or recommended trade waste bylaw Multiple provisions were updated
- 189: Review of trade waste discharge plan and trade waste bylaws Multiple provisions were updated
- 190: Bylaw may authorise making trade waste permits Multiple provisions were updated
- 191: Internal review of decision to decline trade waste permit Multiple provisions were updated
- 192: Decision of territorial authority Multiple provisions were updated
- 193: Notice of decision on internal review Multiple provisions were updated
- 194: Stay of reviewable decision on internal review Multiple provisions were updated
- 195: Appeal to District Court Multiple provisions were updated
- 196: Appeal to High Court Multiple provisions were updated
- 197: Appeals to Court of Appeal or Supreme Court Multiple provisions were updated
- 198: Delegation of trade waste bylaws Multiple provisions were updated
- 199: Application of this subpart Multiple provisions were updated
- 200: Interpretation Multiple provisions were updated
- 201: Stormwater network risk management plan Multiple provisions were updated
- 202: More than 1 responsible water service provider Multiple provisions were updated
- 203: Content of stormwater network risk management plan Multiple provisions were updated
- 204: Consultation on proposed plan Multiple provisions were updated
- 205: Review of plan Multiple provisions were updated
- 206: Stormwater network bylaws Multiple provisions were updated
- 207: Application of sections 208 to 210 Multiple provisions were updated
- 208: Water service provider and private owner to manage critical infrastructure risks Multiple provisions were updated
- 209: Private owner who impairs stormwater flow Multiple provisions were updated
- 210: Private owner to notify water service provider of proposed activity Multiple provisions were updated
- 211: Service agreements for stormwater network Multiple provisions were updated
- 212: Discharge of wastewater and trade waste Multiple provisions were updated
- 213: Discharge of trade waste Multiple provisions were updated
- 214: Restriction of water service to person who commits offence, etc Multiple provisions were updated
- 215: Water service providers must instal fire hydrants Multiple provisions were updated
- 216: Territorial authority must place notice or mark near fire hydrants Multiple provisions were updated
- 217: Water service providers must ensure water in pipes and available for extinguishing fires Multiple provisions were updated
- 218: Outline of this Part Multiple provisions were updated
- 219: Responsibilities under this Part Multiple provisions were updated
- 220: Interpretation Multiple provisions were updated
- 221: Part applies in place of provisions in LGA 2002 Multiple provisions were updated
- 222: Failure to comply with this Part or water services strategy Multiple provisions were updated
- 223: Publication requirements Multiple provisions were updated
- 224: Statement of expectations Multiple provisions were updated
- 225: Statement of expectations for new water organisation Multiple provisions were updated
- 226: Water organisation must give effect to statement of expectations Multiple provisions were updated
- 227: Content of statement of expectations Multiple provisions were updated
- 228: Additional requirements of statement of expectations Multiple provisions were updated
- 229: Statement of expectations: process and limits Multiple provisions were updated
- 230: Water services strategy Multiple provisions were updated
- 231: Water services strategy for new water organisation Multiple provisions were updated
- 232: Purpose of water services strategy Multiple provisions were updated
- 233: Effect of adopting water services strategy Multiple provisions were updated
- 234: Contents of water services strategy Multiple provisions were updated
- 235: Process for making water services strategy: territorial authorities Multiple provisions were updated
- 236: Process for making water services strategy: water organisations Multiple provisions were updated
- 237: Amending water services strategy: territorial authority Multiple provisions were updated
- 238: Amending water services strategy: water organisation Multiple provisions were updated
- 239: Audit of water services strategy Multiple provisions were updated
- 240: Water services annual budget Multiple provisions were updated
- 241: Contents of water services annual budget Multiple provisions were updated
- 242: Process for making water services annual budget Multiple provisions were updated
- 243: Water services annual report: water organisation Multiple provisions were updated
- 244: Annual report for new water organisation Multiple provisions were updated
- 245: Water services annual report: territorial authority Multiple provisions were updated
- 246: Contents of water services annual report Multiple provisions were updated
- 247: Auditor-General is auditor of water organisation Multiple provisions were updated
- 248: Water services half-yearly report: water organisation Multiple provisions were updated
- 249: Additional plans or reports: water organisation Multiple provisions were updated
- 250: Performance monitoring: water organisations Multiple provisions were updated
- 251: Financial management: water organisations Multiple provisions were updated
- 252: Borrowing in foreign currency Multiple provisions were updated
- 253: Charges as security Multiple provisions were updated
- 254: Obligation to consider cost-effectiveness of wastewater options Multiple provisions were updated
- 255: Consequences of transfer for purposes of Inland Revenue Acts Multiple provisions were updated
- 256: Interpretation Multiple provisions were updated
- 257: Regulations Multiple provisions were updated
- 258: Power to make water services bylaws Multiple provisions were updated
- 259: Water organisation may propose making, amending, or revoking water services bylaw Multiple provisions were updated
- 260: Bylaws proposed in source water risk management plan Multiple provisions were updated
- 261: Territorial authority must consider proposal Multiple provisions were updated
- 262: Territorial authority may delegate functions or powers relating to water services bylaws Multiple provisions were updated
- 263: Initial review of bylaws Multiple provisions were updated
- 264: Ongoing review of water services bylaws Multiple provisions were updated
- 265: Water organisation must provide advice on request Multiple provisions were updated
- 266: Water services bylaw not reviewed within specified time frame revoked Multiple provisions were updated
- 267: Power to make water services bylaws does not limit other powers Multiple provisions were updated
- 268: Bylaws Act 1910 Multiple provisions were updated
- 269: Bylaw may provide for infringement offences Multiple provisions were updated
- 270: Infringement offences Multiple provisions were updated
- 271: Who may issue infringement notices Multiple provisions were updated
- 272: When infringement notice may be issued Multiple provisions were updated
- 273: Revocation of infringement notice before payment made Multiple provisions were updated
- 274: What infringement notice must contain Multiple provisions were updated
- 275: How infringement notice may be served Multiple provisions were updated
- 276: Payment of infringement fees Multiple provisions were updated
- 277: Reminder notices Multiple provisions were updated
- 278: Compliance officers Multiple provisions were updated
- 279: Identity cards Multiple provisions were updated
- 280: Suspension and ending of appointment of compliance officers Multiple provisions were updated
- 281: Purpose of compliance powers Multiple provisions were updated
- 282: Power to take and test samples Multiple provisions were updated
- 283: Power to obtain information Multiple provisions were updated
- 284: Power to require name, date of birth, and address Multiple provisions were updated
- 285: Power to question Multiple provisions were updated
- 286: Powers of entry and inspection Multiple provisions were updated
- 287: Power to enter place without search warrant Multiple provisions were updated
- 288: Notice of entry Multiple provisions were updated
- 289: Power to enter place with consent or search warrant Multiple provisions were updated
- 290: Authority to act Multiple provisions were updated
- 291: Delegation of power to issue warrants to compliance officers Multiple provisions were updated
- 292: Continuation of powers of entry and inspection without search warrants Multiple provisions were updated
- 293: Conditions of entry, search, and seizure Multiple provisions were updated
- 294: Compliance with Building Act 2004 Multiple provisions were updated
- 295: Power to ask for assistance Multiple provisions were updated
- 296: Protection of persons acting under authority of Act Multiple provisions were updated
- 297: Power to serve compliance order Multiple provisions were updated
- 298: Compliance with compliance order Multiple provisions were updated
- 299: Form and content of compliance order Multiple provisions were updated
- 300: Compliance order may be varied or cancelled Multiple provisions were updated
- 301: Formal irregularities or defects in order Multiple provisions were updated
- 302: When chief executive may take remedial action Multiple provisions were updated
- 303: Power of chief executive to take other remedial action Multiple provisions were updated
- 304: Costs of remedial action Multiple provisions were updated
- 305: Protection of Māori land against execution for debt Multiple provisions were updated
- 306: Chief executive may delegate Multiple provisions were updated
- 307: Carrying out building work over or near water services infrastructure without approval Multiple provisions were updated
- 308: Engaging in conduct relating to water supply network that causes specified serious risk Multiple provisions were updated
- 309: Negligently engaging in conduct relating to water supply network that causes specified serious risk Multiple provisions were updated
- 310: Discharging into water supply network without authorisation Multiple provisions were updated
- 311: Connecting to or disconnecting from water supply network or supplying water to another person without authorisation Multiple provisions were updated
- 312: Disposing of materials or substances into wastewater network causing specified serious risk Multiple provisions were updated
- 313: Negligently disposing of materials or substances into wastewater network causing specified serious risk Multiple provisions were updated
- 314: Connecting to, disconnecting from, or discharging into wastewater network without authorisation Multiple provisions were updated
- 315: Engaging in conduct relating to wastewater network that causes specified serious risk Multiple provisions were updated
- 316: Negligently engaging in conduct relating to wastewater network that causes specified serious risk Multiple provisions were updated
- 317: Discharging trade waste without trade waste permit Multiple provisions were updated
- 318: Breach of trade waste permit Multiple provisions were updated
- 319: Disposing of or discharging materials or substances into stormwater network causing specified serious risk Multiple provisions were updated
- 320: Negligently disposing of or discharging materials or substances into stormwater network causing specified serious risk Multiple provisions were updated
- 321: Engaging in conduct relating to stormwater network that causes specified serious risk Multiple provisions were updated
- 322: Connecting to or disconnecting from, or discharging materials or substances into, stormwater network without authorisation Multiple provisions were updated
- 323: Negligently engaging in conduct relating to stormwater network that causes specified serious risk Multiple provisions were updated
- 324: Carrying out work on or in relation to water supply network, wastewater network, or stormwater network without authorisation Multiple provisions were updated
- 325: Breach of source water risk management plan or permit Multiple provisions were updated
- 326: Breach of duty in stormwater network bylaw: breach causes specified serious risk Multiple provisions were updated
- 327: Failure to comply with water services bylaw relating to equipment or device: failure causes specified serious risk Multiple provisions were updated
- 328: Failure to notify water service provider of notifiable risk or hazard: failure causes specified serious risk Multiple provisions were updated
- 329: Failure to comply with water use restriction or limit Multiple 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 network Multiple provisions were updated
- 331: Failure to comply with direction given by compliance officer Multiple provisions were updated
- 332: Failure to comply with compliance order or court order Multiple provisions were updated
- 333: Tampering with water meter Multiple provisions were updated
- 334: Intentionally hindering or obstructing employee or agent of territorial authority or water organisation Multiple provisions were updated
- 335: Intentionally threatening or assaulting employee or agent of territorial authority or water organisation Multiple provisions were updated
- 336: Pretending to be compliance officer, employee, agent, or warrant holder of territorial authority or water organisation Multiple provisions were updated
- 337: Defences in prosecution for strict liability offences Multiple provisions were updated
- 338: Minister to initiate review Multiple provisions were updated
- 339: Scope of review of water services system Multiple provisions were updated
- 340: Terms of reference Multiple provisions were updated
- 341: Minister must appoint reviewer Multiple provisions were updated
- 342: Conduct of review Multiple provisions were updated
- 343: Reviewer’s power to request information Multiple provisions were updated
- 344: Report Multiple provisions were updated
- 345: Minister’s obligations on receiving report Multiple provisions were updated