Wellington’s new water billing system: What landlords and tenants need to know
New water services charges in Wellington.
From 1 July 2026, property owners in Lower Hutt, Porirua, Upper Hutt and Wellington will pay Tiaki Wai for water services charges, instead of paying through council rates as you currently do. Property owners will start to receive two separate bills: one for council rates and one for water services.
If you’re a landlord or a tenant, you might be wondering what this means for you.
The below FAQs are designed to help landlords and renters understand the changes and how they may impact you.
We’ll keep these updated and add new information as it becomes available via Tiaki Wai.
Landlord FAQs:
1.When will these water charge changes come into effect?
From 1 July 2026, Tiaki Wai will begin billing separately for water. You can expect to see your first Tiaki Wai water services bill around late July / early August 2026.
2.How will my water bill be calculated and what will it cost?
The approach to calculating water charges is not changing immediately. For the first year from 1 July 2026, Tiaki Wai is using the same mechanisms currently used by your council.
Over time, water charges will reflect a property’s water usage but this may be several years away.
The costs will vary from city to city and property to property, just like rates.
3.What are ‘water meters’ and will my property need one installed?
Water meters are a device that will enable Tiaki Wai to calculate a property’s water usage. Taiki Wai plan to complete the installation of water meters across the Wellington region over the next five to seven years.
4.What water costs will I be responsible for as the owner of the property?
As the property owner (and ratepayer), a landlord is currently responsible for paying for water services via council rates invoices.
From 1 July 2026, the property owner / landlord will receive the invoices for water charges from Tiaki Wai and continue to be responsible for paying for water services.
5.Will my tenants be paying for any of the water charges?
Tenants can only be charged for water usage if there is a separate water meter installed at the property and their tenancy agreement stipulates that water charges apply (check with your property manager).
Landlords / owners would still be responsible for paying the fixed water costs, even when a water meter is installed.
6.How will I receive and pay my water bill?
Owners will receive a separate quarterly water invoice from Tiaki Wai. This will include standard payment options.
If you don’t receive your invoice by September 2026, you should get in touch with Tiaki Wai to make sure they have your correct contact details.
Tenant FAQs:
1.When will these water charge changes come into effect?
The new system begins 1 July 2026.
2.Will tenants be billed for water charges?
It is the landlords’ responsibility to pay for the water charges.
The exception to this will be for those tenants who:
- Live in a property that has a separate water meter
- The water supplier calculates water charges based on metered usage
- The charges can be exclusively attributed to the tenant’s use of the property
- The tenancy agreement stipulates that water charges are the responsibility of the tenant
3.How will I know if my property has a separate water meter?
Your landlord or your property manager will advise you if a meter is installed and whether any water usage charges apply.
4.How will water usage charges be invoiced to me if they apply?
Landlords must pay the whole water account and then ask the tenant to reimburse them for the water usage. Landlords should send the tenant a copy of the bill on a regular basis to prepare the tenant for paying.
5.Who do I contact if I think my water charges are incorrect?
Please contact your property manager or landlord first so the invoice can be reviewed. As always Tenancy Services is available for guidance on 0800 836 262 or at www.tenancy.govt.nz.
