- A rare opportunity to lead a transformational chapter in Aotearoa’s water services
- Establish a new joint CCO serving the Timaru and Mackenzie districts
- Fixed-term two-year appointment
- Attractive remuneration package
About The Role:
A new Joint Water Organisation (JWO) is being established by Timaru District Council and Mackenzie District Council under the Government's Local Water Done Well framework. The JWO will operate as a Council Controlled Organisation, delivering drinking water and wastewater services to communities across both districts, with assets of close to half a billion dollars and responsibility for essential services for current and future generations.
This is a rare opportunity to shape an organisation from inception. As Establishment Chief Executive you will lead the JWO through its establishment phase, building the systems, frameworks, culture, and teams required for operational readiness from 1 July 2027, and then guide the organisation into early steady-state operations.
Reporting to the Board of Directors via the Chairperson, you will hold accountability for everything from strategic direction and organisational capability-building to regulatory compliance, service delivery, and authentic engagement with mana whenua and the wider community.
The Mackenzie and Timaru Districts together form one of New Zealand's most distinctive regions – with a combined total of 10,197 square kilometres across the Southern Alps, the Mackenzie Basin and the coastal plains of the Timaru District.
What You’ll Be Doing
- Leading development and delivery of the Establishment Plan, ensuring the JWO reaches full operational readiness on time and to standard
- Standing up the organisation's operating model - systems, policies, governance frameworks, employment arrangements, and organisational structure
- Managing financial planning, budgeting, reporting through establishment and into early operations
- Leading the transfer of staff, assets, data, and contracts from the shareholding councils into the new entity
- Working alongside the Board to set strategic direction and ensure strong governance–management boundaries from the outset
- Ensuring compliance with all statutory and regulatory obligations for Taumata Arowai, the Commerce Commission, and the Department of Internal Affairs
- Building a capable, values-led leadership team and an organisational culture that reflects the communities the JWO serves
- Maintaining trusted relationships with both Shareholder Councils, Mana Whenua, regulators, customers, and the public
What You'll Bring
Candidates of interest will be senior leaders in local government, CCOs, regulated utilities, infrastructure, or commercial organisations, ideally with direct experience leading the establishment or transformation of complex organisations. We are looking for an exceptional leader with:
- Proven senior executive leadership in complex, publicly accountable, or regulated environments - CEO, GM, or equivalent.
- Demonstrated experience leading organisational establishment, major transition, or transformation - getting things done in tight timeframes.
- Strong commercial and financial acumen including infrastructure asset management, capital investment, and financial sustainability.
- Sound understanding of public sector or CCO governance and the ability to maintain a clear and effective governance–management interface.
- Exceptional stakeholder engagement skills - credible with elected members, regulators, Mana Whenua, and communities.
- The cultural competence and genuine empathy to build enduring, respectful partnerships with Iwi and Papatipu Rūnaka.
- Personal resilience and sound judgement to lead through ambiguity and deliver in a high-stakes, high-visibility environment.
Experience in water services, utilities, or local government would be an advantage. A genuine connection and willingness to be based in South Canterbury or the Mackenzie region will be well regarded.
Why This Role Matters
This is a legacy role. The Establishment CE will shape an organisation that will deliver essential services to the communities of Timaru and Mackenzie for generations. You'll work with two committed councils, a focused Board, and a clear mandate and you'll have the opportunity to build something that matters.
The region is remarkable. The JWO is one of the more ambitious pieces of water reform in the South Island. The right person will see this not just as a job but as a chapter worth being part of.
About the Organisation
The Joint Water Organisation is a new CCO established by Timaru District Council and Mackenzie District Council, 100% owned by those two councils. It will deliver drinking water and wastewater services across both districts from 1 July 2027, with an asset base of close to $500 million. The organisation is being incorporated by 31 October 2026.