UDINZ "Utilities Matters" Webinar Series: In discussion with Water Services Authority - Taumata Arowai

Our new UDINZ webinar series called 'Utilities Matters' is designed to get to the heart of utilities-related issues given their significance to development in Aotearoa New Zealand. The objective of the series is to improve understanding between system players around their respective needs and to surface solutions to a range of problems so the system works better.

The series will explore practical solutions to common problems; help the development community better understand how to communicate/interact with utilities; increase understanding around how utilities charge, set conditions and make decisions. We'll also be exploring the increasingly more complicated landscape of utilities regulation

This particular session is hosted alongside the Water Services Authority - Taumata Arowai.

The Authority is implementing national wastewater environmental performance standards, developing National Engineering Design Standards (NEDS), and simplifying consenting pathways for smaller wastewater treatment systems. These initiatives aim to give infrastructure providers and developers clearer benchmarks and greater certainty.

The Water Services Authority (the Authority) is responsible for development and implementation of National Engineering Design Standards (NEDS) and national codes of practice as part of a new regulatory system in the Water Services Act 2021 and Local Government (Water Services) Act 2025 as well as simplifying consenting pathways for smaller wastewater treatment systems.

The purpose of the NEDS is to provide for national consistency in the design, construction, and operational performance of water services networks, by specifying performance-based requirements for water services infrastructure.

New developments must comply with any requirements imposed by the NEDS before connecting to water services infrastructure, or vesting in local government ownership, and local government water services providers will need to comply with the NEDS when constructing or maintaining its water services infrastructure. 

As well as informing our attendees on NEDS we will also be asking for feedback as per our "Open Mic" series, where you will have the opportunity to ask questions during the webinar and discuss further.

A zoom link will be sent to you morning of the webinar.