NZ Water Authority Under Fire After Staffer Boasts of ‘Slacking Off’ on Social Media

Residents told of water restrictions as leaks continue. The city may also require the rationing of drinking water.

Pipes made of bottles channel water after the Speaker of Parliament ordered the sprinklers to be turned on all night in the grounds of Parliament in Wellington, New Zealand, on Feb. 12, 2022. MARTY MELVILLE/AFP via Getty Images

As Wellingtonians contend with impending Level 2 water restrictions, in force from next Wednesday—meaning no sprinklers or other unattended outdoor water devices are permitted—Wellington Water has been embarrassed by a Chinese staffer who uploaded a video to social media showing her doing what she said was “slacking off” at the office.

The organisation manages the water supply on behalf of local councils, which retain ownership of the assets.