Porirua’s water future is front and centre this election. We asked every candidate: “Do you support continuing Porirua City Council’s financial contributions to Wellington Water, and what changes or improvements (if any) would you like to see in how it operates?”
With around half of all votes in Porirua historically cast in the final three days of voting, these answers could help shape the decisions of many still making up their minds.
Kathleen Filo:
Wellington Water will continue to be funded by councils until June 2026. That is how the current system works. But many people know I have pushed back on the lack of scrutiny at the leadership table. It is not just about funding water services, but about making sure people are getting real value for the money they pay.
Yan Zhang:
I support continuing Porirua City Council’s partnership with Wellington Water, but with stronger transparency and accountability. Residents deserve to know how their water rates are used. I would introduce a public data platform where progress and spending on water projects can be clearly tracked.
Anita Baker:
Wellington Water is soon to be replaced by a new entity under the Government’s water reforms. Porirua City Council is focused on ensuring that this new model delivers genuine value for ratepayers by learning from Wellington Water’s past mistakes and improving accountability, transparency, and performance standards.
Geoff Hayward:
I support continuing contributions because reliable water services are essential, but let’s be honest: we’re in this mess because councils have been starved of funding for decades by candidates who promised low rates. Wellington Water is a dead man walking, and no amount of tinkering will fix it. The new water entity must not repeat the same mistakes, which is why I worked with Porirua, Wellington and Hutt councils to get a new Water Charter passed.
Moira Lawler:
I think Three Waters would have been a better option as it included potential loan funding from central government. Given that’s now not an option I support the new Metro Water organisation. I would like to see more direct accountability to Councils particularly in the prioritisation of infrastructure upgrades.
Ross Leggett:
Wellington Water is soon to be replaced by a new entity under government water reforms. In the meantime PCC must continue to fund the work already committed to under the Long-Term Plan. This is essential to ensure continuity.
Chris Ellis:
Central Government has made a shock discovery: our water runs through pipes and pumping stations built 70 years ago. Porirua has already decided to throw in its lot with Wellington and Hutt Valley and that’s a done deal, hence our impending union with Wellington Water. Addressing water issues will be the single biggest event to impact rates in 50 years, and councillors must ensure Porirua gets fair value for its contribution.
Rawinia Rimene:
Yes, I support continued investment in Wellington Water, but only with stronger accountability, transparency, and community oversight. We need urgent upgrades, clearer reporting, and governance that reflects Porirua’s needs and whakapapa.
Nathan Waddle:
Yes, we need Wellington Water to provide the right handover for the new water entity. The improvements needed are already in motion by management, and they will be held accountable for this.
Phill Houlihan:
Yes, we should continue financial contributions to Wellington Water. However, there must be sufficient transparency and accountability if they are to continue to receive funding.
Brent Ching:
I do support Porirua City Council financial contributions to Wellington Water. Changes required are transparency within the organisation, a full audit on procurement, and accountability from senior management.
Kylie Wihapi:
Yes. We recognise Porirua has done a poor job at maintaining water infrastructure over the years, so Council needs to focus on the new water entity. WW will cease by July 2026 and I’ve seen improvements since the value-for-money report came out.
Josh Trlin:
I strongly support continuing investment into our water infrastructure. Over the last four decades, councils have underinvested, causing major issues. We have made progress this term, and I’m glad that next year Wellington Water will be replaced by a new region-wide entity with a Water Charter to prevent past mistakes.
Angel Domingos – Onepoto Ward
This will need to continue until the new water services entity takes over in 2026. So I would support it but only with tighter transparency, accountability and advocating for better performance.
Ura Wilson-Pokoati – Mayoral Candidate / Onepoto Ward
Yes, I support continuing Porirua City Council’s financial contributions to Wellington Water, but not without demanding accountability and reform. Our communities deserve reliable infrastructure, and Wellington Water must earn our trust by delivering on its promises. The $18 million debacle is a stark reminder of what happens when transparency and oversight are lacking.
As Mayor, I will push for:
- Clear performance benchmarks
- Community reporting and consultation
- Stronger governance with Porirua voices at the table
Water is a taonga. We must treat it, and the systems that manage it, with care and integrity.
Moze Galo – Onepoto Ward
Yes, I support Porirua continuing to fund Wellington Water, but we need better accountability and openness for our ratepayers. Porirua relies on shared expertise to deliver safe drinking water and manage wastewater, but when pipes burst or projects are delayed, people deserve clear updates and faster action. I would like Wellington Water to improve how it reports progress, be more upfront about costs, and focus more on local delivery.