Delivering better outcomes for water consumers: the role of economic regulation
Address by Dr John Small at the Water New Zealand Conference and Expo 2026.
New Zealand's water networks require significant ongoing investment to meet the needs of growing communities and ageing infrastructure. In this keynote address at the Water New Zealand Conference and Expo 2026, Dr John Small outlines the Commerce Commission's proportionate, risk-based approach to economic regulation and how it can support safe, reliable and sustainable water services for New Zealanders.
Economic regulation promotes transparency, accountability, efficient investment and financial sustainability, helping ensure consumers receive reliable services and value for money, both now and into the future. Dr Small discusses how economic regulation can strengthen the performance and accountability of water service providers, why information disclosure is the foundation of the regulatory regime, and how the Commission's suite of regulatory tools can encourage efficient investment, support continuous improvement and deliver better outcomes for consumers.
Drawing on examples including Watercare and Tiaki Wai, he illustrates how the Commission is applying these tools in practice through a tailored approach that responds to the specific risks and challenges facing different providers.
You can read Dr John Small's address below.