Summary
The Water Services Act 2021 is what gives Taumata Arowai the legal authority to carry out its duties as New Zealand’s dedicated water regulator. This came into force on 15 November 2021 and essentialy enabled Taumata Arowai to go live. The purpose of this legislation is to ensure that ‘drinking water suppliers’ provide safe drinking water to consumers. It does this by creating a number of duties and penalties to keep water suppliers accountable to a set of standards and ensure consumers have safe drinking water. A key principle of those exercising a function, power, or duty under the Act, is to give effect to Te Mana o te Wai. This also holds the same definition as under NPS-FW 2020.