Development of wastewater standards
Wastewater standards only apply to public networks, which are primarily owned and operated by local councils. They do not apply to privately owned wastewater treatment networks or septic tanks. Standards are implemented by regional councils through resource consent conditions.
We developed the first proposed set of wastewater standards in collaboration with a range of experts and environmental scientists. They were strengthened through consultation with local and regional councils and iwi and hapū.
The proposed standards were outlined in a consultation discussion document. Consultation ran between 25 February 2025 and 24 April 2025.
See the resources section for technical advice, insights from iwi and hapū and the interim regulatory impact statement.
Following engagement, we sought further technical advice and undertook targeted engagement to refine the proposals before government decision making. We anticipate that final decisions will be made in September 2025. Further information will be provided when the final decisions are known.
Summary of development process
We developed New Zealand’s first set of wastewater environmental performance standards using a collaborative, evidence-informed policy process. This process took over 18 months and is summarised in the flow chart below.
To develop the proposals for consultation, we commissioned five expert reports addressing technical, economic, environmental and cultural dimensions of wastewater management in New Zealand. In particular, case studies and reports developed with and by iwi and hapū offered deep insights into mātauranga Māori and te ao Māori perspectives.
In addition, we established a Technical Review Group, bringing together expertise from across the sector including regional and territorial authorities, the private sector, Water New Zealand, and the Authority Board and Māori Advisory Group (Te Puna). The Technical Review Group provided critical, cross-sectoral advice on the feasibility, clarity and integrity of the proposed standards.
View key inputs and technical advice to the development process.
