Chief Financial Officer
Masterton, Wellington
Mō tēnei tūranga mahi | About this role
Waitī Waters is a new, publicly owned water services organisation head quartered 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 inaugural Chief Financial Officer will build the financial and commercial foundations of the organisation, establish the systems, controls and capability of a new entity and lead the Finance and Commercial group as a member of the Executive Leadership Team. You will shape the pricing and investment strategy of a capital-intensive, regulated utility, keeping customer affordability and long-term sustainability at the centre of every decision. 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 leader who has helped to build or transform a complex organisation, and who brings the commercial judgement and relational intelligence to operate across diverse partners with integrity and mana.
Great candidates for this role will likely have:
- A membership of a recognised professional accounting body (such as CA ANZ or CPA Australia), and senior financial leadership experience in a large or asset-intensive organisation, ideally in infrastructure, utilities or the public sector, whether gained as a CFO or as a proven senior finance leader ready to step up.
- Proven expertise in financial strategy, treasury, capital financing and long-term investment planning, ideally gained within a regulated environment.
- The commercial discipline to steward a significant capital investment programme while keeping customer affordability central.
- 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