Independent Directors
Masterton, Wellington
Transform the future of water services across Wairarapa-Tararua
The Wairarapa-Tararua region is transforming how essential water services are delivered to its communities. Four territorial authorities – Masterton, Carterton, South Wairarapa, and Tararua – together with Rangitāne and Ngāti Kahungunu - are establishing Wairarapa Tararua Water Limited, a new Council Controlled Organisation that will manage drinking water, wastewater, and stormwater services for the region.
With over $466 million in planned infrastructure investment over the next 10 years, this new entity will tackle aging water systems, meet rising regulatory standards, and serve growing communities across a vibrant regional landscape.
We are now seeking independent directors to form the inaugural board and lead the establishment of a high-performing, customer-focused organisation. This is governance with genuine intergenerational impact; you will oversee critical infrastructure that communities rely on every day, while navigating complex regulatory requirements, significant capital programmes, and the realities of affordability for customers. It's a big job; we are a region that is up for it and are looking for directors to join us.
What we are looking for
We need Directors who collectively bring:
- Governance experience in substantial organisations, particularly in regulated environments or managing significant infrastructure and capital investment
- Strategic capability to guide an organisation through establishment and transition
- Financial and commercial acumen to oversee major capital programmes, long-term planning, and balance sheet management
- Infrastructure, engineering or asset management expertise in water services, utilities, or comparable sectors
- Experience and commitment to working in Treaty partnership
- Understanding of local government and the specific challenges of delivering public services in provincial New Zealand
These are skills needed across the five-person board, not requirements for every individual director.
What this involves
As an independent director, you will provide strategic oversight for a new organisation managing essential services across four districts. Directors will be appointed by mid-March 2026, ahead of the planned operational transition in July 2027.
This is work that matters – ensuring safe drinking water, effective wastewater management, and sustainable infrastructure for current and future generations.