New legislation allows Māori landowners to take action on water service issues that affect Māori land.
The Local Government (Water Services) Act 2025 came into force on 27 August 2025 introducing new ways for Māori landowners to take action around water service matters affecting whenua Māori. These include appealing decisions that allow water service providers to enter Māori land to do their work, and applying for charging orders if landowners have paid more than their share of water services charges on Māori freehold land held in multiple ownership.
Appeals – access to Māori land
If a water service provider wants to enter Māori land to carry out infrastructure work, they must ask for the landowner’s permission in writing at least 30 working days before they plan to enter.
If there is a disagreement about access to the land, there are provisions for an internal review, and for the water service provider or the landowner to appeal to the Māori Land Court.
Charging orders – water services charges
In certain situations, Māori landowners may have to pay for water services. If an owner of Māori freehold land in multiple ownership has paid more than their share of water services changes, they can apply to the Māori Land Court for a “charging order” to recover the excess amount paid.
For more information, see our Factsheet - Local Government (Water Services) Act 2025.