The use of water management tools, such as water metering and pricing, are likely to become increasingly important for addressing urban water security in Aotearoa New Zealand. Yet little is known about the impacts of metering and pricing on residential consumption across Aotearoa using data collected from public channels.

Through the LGOIMA and OIA process, researchers attempt to collect data on residential water use from 67 local councils across Aotearoa to understand the impact of metering and pricing on consumption. The data collection process reveals extensive urban water data gaps in Aotearoa, with clear implications for public accountability and efficient and effective water services reform.

By combining a series of complementary data sets, the authors present some preliminary analysis that suggests metering and pricing does incentivise water conservation in Aotearoa. Given this, it is likely urban areas investing in, and using, metering and pricing will be more able to respond to the growing pressures on water supplies from population increases, climate change, and ageing infrastructure over time.