In an opinion piece published in The Post, Dr. John Small discusses the Commerce Commission's regulatory role concerning Tiaki Wai, the water service provider for Wellington. He acknowledges the public's frustration over rising water service costs and emphasizes the Commission's commitment to ensuring accountability and transparency.

The Commerce Commission has been granted additional powers to oversee Tiaki Wai, requiring it to publish performance information that will be analyzed and compared with other water suppliers. This scrutiny aims to enhance Tiaki Wai's operational efficiency and ensure that funds are spent wisely.

Dr. Small highlights the introduction of new performance requirements that could lead to enforcement actions, including financial penalties for non-compliance. He reassures Wellingtonians that the Commission will hold Tiaki Wai accountable for its service delivery and financial management.

While the Commission has the authority to impose price controls, Dr. Small argues that such measures would not yield immediate benefits for consumers. He explains that Tiaki Wai's current operational costs exceed its revenue, and any attempt to lower prices could jeopardize the long-term sustainability of water services.

Ultimately, Dr. Small concludes that while future regulation of Tiaki Wai's earnings may be necessary, the current focus should be on improving service delivery and ensuring that the company can meet its financial obligations.