Infrastructure
4 problem pages in this theme — each card opens the full analysis: drivers, solution camps, claims, and sources.
Aging and earthquake-vulnerable water network in Wellington
Wellington's reticulated water supply network is among the oldest in New Zealand and sits across multiple active fault lines. The combination of pipe age, seismic vulnerability, and deferred capital investment creates chronic service reliability issues and acute post-earthquake risk. Wellington Water has estimated multi-billion-dollar replacement requirements.
Wastewater overflows contaminating Wellington Harbour
Wellington's combined stormwater and wastewater network produces regular overflow events during heavy rainfall, discharging untreated sewage into Wellington Harbour. These events trigger beach closures and ecosystem damage and reflect decades of underinvestment in separation of stormwater and wastewater infrastructure.
Earthquake vulnerability of Wellington's critical lifelines
Wellington's critical lifeline infrastructure — water, wastewater, electricity, transport, and telecommunications — sits across the Wellington and Wairarapa fault systems. A major fault rupture is modelled to produce extended outages across multiple systems simultaneously, with the water network particularly vulnerable to pipe breaks and pump station failure.
Digital inclusion gaps in Wellington region
While Wellington City has strong broadband infrastructure, digital inclusion gaps persist across the wider region — particularly in rural Wairarapa, Kāpiti hinterland, and lower-income urban households. Device access and digital literacy barriers compound connectivity shortfalls for high-deprivation communities.