2025 - 2026 customer charges
Prices are effective from 1 July 2025. All prices include GST.
Residential charges
Customer charges are used to fund the supply of water and wastewater services and the provision of maintenance and network improvements.
2025 - 2026 water & wastewater charges (including GST) | |
|---|---|
| Water | $2.296 per 1,000 litres |
| Wastewater | $3.994 per 1,000 litres discharged |
You can download and view our 2025/26 charges: Residential Customers here.
Domestic wastewater volume is calculated at 78.5 per cent* of the incoming water volume, as measured by the water meter. This assumes that, on average, 78.5 per cent of the water that enters the home goes down the drain via showers, baths, washing machines, dishwashers, toilets, sinks, etc.*
*Apartments, charged at 95 per cent, are among the exceptions.
Important information for landlords and tenants
Under the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, the landlord or property owner is responsible for paying the annual fixed wastewater charge.
While it is up to the landlord and tenant to agree on who will pay the usage (volumetric) part of the bill, the landlord/property owner is ultimately responsible for ensuring payment to Veolia for all water and wastewater charges at the property, regardless of:
- any billing arrangement between the landlord and tenant; and
- provisions in the Residential Tenancies Act 1986 dealing with liability for water and wastewater charges between landlords and tenants.
Payment of the annual wastewater fixed charge
With the introduction of a new annual wastewater fixed charge, landlords can now opt to receive their bill either by post or email. If a tenant is paying the usage (volumetric) part of the bill, landlords can also authorise a tenant to receive an email copy of the bill.
Authorising tenants to receive an email copy of the bill
To authorise a tenant to receive a copy of the bill, please contact the Veolia Customer Services Team on (09) 295 0515 or [email protected] to provide the name and email details of the tenant.
Business charges
| 2025 - 2026 water & wastewater charges (including GST) | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Water | $2.296 per 1,000 litres | |||
| Wastewater | Annual fixed charge (per meter) | Volumetric wastewater charge (per kL) | Suited to approximate annual wastewater volume | |
| Low user plan | $332.00 | $7.473 | < 1,309L | |
| Moderate user plan | $833.37 | $7.090 | 1,309L - 10,193kL | |
| High user plan | $11,793.08 | $6,015 | 10,193kL - 85,705kL | |
| Industry plan | $126,546.09 | $4.676 | 85,705kL + | |
You can download and view our 2025/26 charges: Business Customers here.
Industry types and corresponding wastewater percentages
Under Auckland aligned Business Customer Charges, wastewater charges are calculated using a fixed charge per water meter per year, plus a volumetric charge per kilolitre of wastewater discharge.
The volume of wastewater discharge is calculated by considering the way the water is used and assigning an 'industry type' with a corresponding wastewater percentage. The wastewater percentage represents the proportion of the water consumption that will be charged for volumetric wastewater services.
| Industry type | % of water consumption typically discharged to the wastewater network | Wastewater % rate |
|---|---|---|
| General commercial (standard commercial premises, e.g. office) Accommodation Community facility / church Abattoir Retail shop / cafe / restaurant Warehouse / postal / transport Sports / recreational facility Education and training facility (no irrigated grass fields) | 85% - 100% | 95% |
| Industrial / general manufacturing Hospital or medical clinic | 80% - 100% | 90% |
| Pool Laundry Food manufacturing | 75% - 95% | 85% |
| School (with irrigated grass fields) Beverage manufacturing Metal, glass, or construction material manufacturing | 70% - 90% | 80% |
| Agriculture | 5% - 25% | 15% |
| Concrete manufacturing | 0% - 15% | 5% |
Other charges
You can download and view our 2025/26 Other Charges here.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a fixed charge?
The annual wastewater fixed charge, paid per meter, contributes to the expenses associated with operating and maintaining the water and wastewater infrastructure in Papakura. These costs are incurred regardless of whether a customer is actively consuming water or discharging wastewater at any given time.
The volumetric charge contributes towards the cost of water consumed and wastewater discharged by the customer.
What does my money from Customer Charges go towards?
The money you pay us in water and wastewater bills go to ensuring high-quality water and wastewater services, including water treatment compliant to the New Zealand Drinking Water Standards, treatment of wastewater, repairs and maintenance and upgrades and replacement of the Papakura water and wastewater networks.
How are the water charges calculated?
Refer to the section above that details How your new water bill will be calculated of this webpage.
Why are apartments being charged for wastewater at 95% of water consumed?
Under the new Auckland aligned pricing structure, residential wastewater charges are based on 78.5% of the volume of water used on the property. This leaves an allowance of 21.5% for typical outdoor activities such as watering the garden, washing the car or filling a pool, where the water does not enter the wastewater network. Residents in apartment complexes don’t typically use water for these activities – most water they use drains directly into the wastewater network. There is an allowance of 5% for drinking water in apartments.
Why am I now being charged as a business customer?
Under the new Auckland aligned pricing structure, a residential property is one where the only activity occurring at the property is living and sleeping. This means that under the Auckland aligned pricing structure, the following activities are now classified as a business:
- Schools and educational facilities
- Kindergartens
- Daycare centres
- Churches
- Maraes
- Community centres, sports clubs and social clubs
If you were previously a residential customer and fall into one of the above categories, then from 1 July 2024, you will be charged as a business customer.
What does residential and business property mean under the new Auckland aligned pricing structure?
A residential property means it is used only for living and sleeping. Independent living units in a retirement village are considered a residential activity.
A business property is where activity occurring at the property includes operating a business This includes the business of providing business accommodation. Indicators that a business is operating at the property include but are not limited to:
- signage which advertises the business
- being GST registered
- having designated parking
- having a business website
- requiring potable water to meet government and local government regulations (eg. food hygiene regulations)
Why is wastewater charged at a higher rate than water?
Wastewater charges are higher because wastewater requires more treatment than drinking water.
What if I can't pay my bill?
Veolia is committed to ensuring sustainable water services for the Papakura community, and we understand that some customers may be experiencing difficulties or hardship. Veolia's Customer Support Fund Program offers assistance to those in need. To check your eligibility for financial assistance, visit here or contact our customer service team.
Contact us
There are many ways to contact our team
Our Papakura office is a friendly environment with facilities for confidential discussions. We aim to minimise any delays when paying accounts in person and aim to answer your calls promptly and professionally and provide follow-up calls within 24 hours. Veolia also provides 24-hour emergency service for major water and wastewater service failures.
Visit Us
Veolia Water
Address: 107 Great South Road, Papakura
Opening Hours: Monday (10am - 5pm)
Tuesday - Friday (8:30am - 5pm)
Saturday, Sunday, Statutory holidays – closed
Post
PO Box 72-243
Papakura 2244
Auckland
Papakura Customer Portal
Log in to myVeolia on any device 24/7 to simplify managing your water and wastewater services in Papakura. You can easily monitor your water consumption, update your personal information, and instantly view your account balance or access your bills seamless payment through our secure portal.
If you need help to login, you’re welcome to contact us via [email protected] or call (09) 295 0515.
