Mō tēnei tūranga mahi | About this role
Waitī Waters is a new, publicly owned water services organisation headquartered in Masterton. Established under the Local Government (Water Services) Act 2025, Waitī Waters is being established by four district councils, South Wairarapa, Tararua, Carterton and Masterton, and two iwi, Rangitāne and Ngāti Kahungunu, to serve current and future generations in the Wairarapa and Tararua region.
Our responsibilities are significant and ambitious, delivering drinking water, wastewater and stormwater services to approximately 25,000 connections and managing $707 million in assets and a $466 million capital works programme into 2034.
The General Manager, Strategy, Regulatory and Governance will lead the functions that set direction, meet the organisation's regulatory obligations and steward its partnerships. As a member of the Executive Leadership Team, you will build the strategy, governance, compliance and assurance foundations of a new entity, and help ensure we are trusted, accountable and ready for the regulatory expectations of a modern water utility.
Importantly, you will also be drawn to these regions, with a strong sense of place and a desire to serve in the provision of our most vital infrastructure.
Ko wai koe | About you
We are seeking a strategic leader with the judgement to advise and provide assurance to a board, navigate an emerging and complex regulatory environment, lead and drive the development and delivery of an organisation’s strategy and planning, and bring the integrity and commitment to build effective and meaningful partnerships with mana whenua.
Great candidates for this role will likely have:
- Senior leadership experience across strategy, governance, regulation, compliance, legal, policy or risk, whether gained as a General Manager or as a proven senior leader.
- Experience providing strategic advice to boards or governing bodies and operating in complex regulatory environments.
- Strong command of governance, risk, assurance and organisational accountability, with the judgement to balance legal, regulatory, organisational and community considerations.
- A commitment to being part of the founding executive leadership team shaping performance, teams, systems and culture for a new community-based organisation.
- A commitment to working in partnership with Councils and iwi to make Waitī Waters a success for the region.
- A values-driven style with a connection to, or a passion for, the Wairarapa and Tararua region.