Chief Executive
Masterton Wellington
Mō tēnei tūranga mahi | About this role
Waitī Waters is a new, publicly owned water services organisation. Established under the Local Government (Water Services) Act 2025, Waitī Waters, is being established by four district councils 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 inaugural Chief Executive will establish the organisation by building its culture, leading the transition from four council-operated services into one cohesive entity. They will also ensure we have the trust and credibility on which our long-term success depends. You will be genuinely 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 an executive who has led significant establishment or organisational transformation, and who brings the relational intelligence to operate across diverse partners with integrity and mana.
The successful candidate will have:
- Chief Executive or senior executive experience in a complex, multi-stakeholder environment, ideally in infrastructure, utilities or the public sector.
- Demonstrated commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi and a record of effective, trust-based partnership with mana whenua.
- The commercial acumen to steward a significant capital investment programme while ensuring that customer affordability is central to decision-making.
- A resilient and values-driven leadership style, with a connection to, or a passion for, the regions we serve.