I am hosting Jamie Sinclair, Chief Executive and Priyan Perera, Chief Strategy and Planning Officer from Watercare to discuss the water challenges Auckland faces and how they can be addressed.

Auckland has many water challenges which are driven by aging infrastructure struggling with extreme weather and rapid population growth. This has led to sewage overflows, poor water quality, and supply shortages.

Some of the Key Challenges for Auckland's Water:

• Infrastructure Deficit: Decades of underinvestment have left water, wastewater, and stormwater systems outdated, leading to capacity issues.
• Increased frequency of droughts and, conversely, extreme rainfall, are straining water supplies. Droughts have forced reliance on emergency, low-storage levels (e.g., 66.5% in March 2025)
• Contamination and Water Quality: Extreme storms in 2023 caused widespread wastewater overflows, polluting waterways and forcing beach closures. Lake water quality is generally declining due to high nutrients, low clarity, and invasive species.
• The urgent need to diversify water sources beyond traditional dams

Questions: We are accepting pre-submitted questions so we can maximize the time available.  Please email your questions to [email protected]

RSVP: Please also RSVP the names of any people coming with you 09 522 7464 or [email protected]