The introduction of the Water Services Entities Bill today is a significant milestone marking the start of improving water services delivery in Aotearoa. When passed, the bill will create four dedicated water service entities which will deliver drinking-water, waste-water, and stormwater services. These entities will have the size and scale to deliver water services, invest in infrastructure, and meet the new regulatory standards. This bill is the first step in a significant change to the way water services are delivered in New Zealand, but it alone will not achieve this. A second bill will follow, providing for the transfer of assets, liabilities, powers, and functions to the new entities. Once this second bill is in place, the entities will be able to deliver water services, commencing on 1 July 2024.