Two Independent Directors - Council Appointed
New Zealand
Kaikōura – Hurunui Water Services is a new joint water services entity being established by the Kaikōura and Hurunui District Councils. This is a rare opportunity to lead governance for a multi-year transformation that will bring together people, systems, technology and services into a single, future-ready organisation. Further to the three independent directors already appointed, each council will now appoint their own independent director, to form the inaugural board of five directors.
The focus of this board is to shape the vision, strategic direction and establishment of a new commercial entity, ensuring robust governance, strong stakeholder engagement, effective risk management and high-quality decision making. This is governance with genuine intergenerational impact, overseeing critical infrastructure that communities rely on every day, while navigating complex regulatory requirements and the realities of affordability for customers.
The final two directors will be appointed by end of April 2026, ahead of commencement of operations from around mid-2026. Term of appointment is based on a staggered 3-year cycle. One of the five Directors will be elected as Chair.
These are legacy roles. You’ll be instrumental in building a new organisation that will serve communities ensuring safe drinking water for generations. You’ll work with committed partners and have a clear mandate, with the opportunity to make your mark.
What we are looking for
We seek directors who collectively bring:
- Governance experience, particularly in regulated environments or managing infrastructure and capital investment
- Strategic leadership and stakeholder engagement to guide an organisation through establishment, change and transition
- Financial and commercial acumen to oversee treasury, AR, debt, long-term planning, financial regulation and balance sheet management
- Infrastructure, engineering or asset management expertise in water services, network utilities, or comparable
- Human resources, legal and organisational development skills
- Community focus and understanding of the challenges of delivering public services in rural NZ.
These are skills needed across the board, not requirements for every individual director.
To view the Kaikōura – Hurunui Water Services plan please click here.
In your application, please indicate in your Cover letter which Council you wish to be appointed to as Independent Director.