30,000 people in Wellington have failed to pay their first water bill under the new Tiaki Wai water services company, almost one in five customers.  

Wellington's Mayor Andrew Little told Heather du Plessis-Allan there are a variety of reasons why people haven't paid their new water bills. Some were surprised to get the bill separately from their rates while others are finding it unaffordable and have set up payment plans.  

He says there have been some mistakes with some properties without water connections being charged. 

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