"We offer our congratulation to Louise Miller on her appointment as the inaugural Chief Executive of Hawkes Bay Water.
Her deep understanding of the region and its infrastructure, proven leadership skills and extensive track record of innovation and achievement impressed the board throughout the recruitment process. We wish Louise and the board every success as the organisation moves forward." - Ian Taylor, Managing Director, Sheffield North Island.
Press Release
Water Hawke’s Bay appoints inaugural Chief Executive
Water Hawke’s Bay has appointed Napier City Council Chief Executive Louise Miller as its inaugural Chief Executive, marking a significant milestone for the region’s new water services organisation.
Wendie Harvey, Water Hawke’s Bay Board Chair says Ms Miller’s appointment follows an extensive national and international recruitment process.
“Louise has distinguished herself through her strategic leadership, extensive experience leading organisational change, sound judgement, and ability to work constructively with boards, councils, staff, Mana Whenua and other stakeholders.
“She brings the right combination of leadership, local government experience and understanding of Hawke’s Bay that Water Hawke’s Bay needs at this important stage, as well as an understanding of the opportunities and challenges ahead of us.
“Just as importantly, she knows our region and is deeply committed to its future.”
Water Hawke’s Bay is the new jointly-owned water services organisation for Napier, Hastings, and Central Hawke’s Bay. From 1 July 2027, it will take responsibility for delivering drinking water, wastewater and stormwater services currently managed by the three councils, bringing together their water services, infrastructure, and specialist workforces into one regional organisation.
Ms Miller will leave Napier City Council in mid-December to take up the role in January 2027, leading Water Hawke’s Bay’s preparations for the transition of water services and staff from participating councils on 1 July 2027. Water Hawke’s Bay Interim CEO Chris O’Reilly will continue in his role till the end of the year.
“On behalf of the Board, I sincerely thank Chris for his important contribution, leading our organisation through this current phase of the establishment process.
Wendie Harvey says the next period will be critical as Water Hawke’s Bay brings together the people, systems and capability needed to deliver for communities.
Ms Miller said taking on the role was both an honour and an opportunity to help shape the future of water services for Hawke’s Bay.
“New Zealand is entering a new era in the way water services are managed, and I can’t think of a more important time to be part of shaping what comes next.
“I’m excited about what Water Hawke’s Bay can achieve as one organisation and, importantly, what that can mean for the communities we serve.
“I know there are challenges ahead. The reality is that delivering and maintaining the water infrastructure our region needs will cost more, regardless of how those services are structured. A critical part of my job will be making sure we manage that transition carefully, get the best possible value from every dollar invested, and keep the impact on households front-of-mind.
“This is a once-in-a-generation change for Hawke’s Bay, and I’m looking forward to working alongside our people and communities to make the most of it, delivering something our region can be proud of, for generations to come,” says Ms Miller.
Sheffield team: Ian Taylor, Rebecca Jamieson, Tash Wilson, Kelly Smith