Utilities of New Zealand

Power

The Electricity Authority oversees the liberalised electricity market, with the national grid remaining in state hands under Transpower. The electricity sector was opened to competition in the late 1980s, with some electricity suppliers remaining state owned, such as Genesis Energy, and others being privately owned.

Water

New Zealand’s water supply system is managed by Territorial Local Authorities, which are public-sector organisations. They are also responsible for trunk sewerages and sewage treatment. There is little private sector involvement.

Telecoms

There are 426 main telephone lines, 1,092 mobile phone subscriptions and 860 internet users per 1,000 people (2011). Mobile phone operators include Vodafone, locally owned Black and White, and Australia’s M2. There are 530 personal computers per 1,000 people (2006).