Chief Executive

• Establishment leadership position
• Multi-Council Water Organisation
• High-growth region

Tauranga City Council and Western Bay of Plenty District Council are planning a water services delivery model for the region under the Local Water Done Well government framework. The model will help councils get better access to funding for water infrastructure and to help deliver quality water services to communities in a cost-effective way. This will be a capex programme of circa $200 million in 2027/28, growing to around $350 million by 2033/34.

Both councils, together with tangata whenua representatives, have established a joint working group to help shape decisions that ensure cultural, environmental, and community values are at the heart of future water services. The Water Organisation will be operational by 1 July 2027, and as such they are seeking an establishment chief executive to prepare, plan and operationalise the organisation for an initial two-years, with the view to leading to a more permanent position.

The Chief Executive will initially be accountable to the joint working group until a skills-based Board is selected and put in place.  The Chief Executive will provide strategic and operational leadership during the initial establishment phase, setting up governance, systems and processes, the organisational framework and to prepare and deliver on the Water Services Delivery Plan. The CE will recruit and lead a high performing leadership team and oversee the workforce transition and integration.  Post establishment the appointed CE will be responsible for the first year of operations of the new entity.

To be considered, you must be a highly skilled leader having led large, complex operations involving infrastructure, utilities or other regulated sectors. Ideally you will have a local government, CCO or public sector utility background. You will have leadership experience in an organisational establishment environment along with strong financial and commercial acumen. You will be an exceptional people leader and have a commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi and a history of effective partnering with tangata whenua and iwi. You will also be politically aware and experienced working with governance groups.

This is a rare opportunity to establish a water organisation for a high-growth region. 

APPLICATIONS CLOSE:  Friday, 13 February 2026

APPLY OR VIEW THE POSITION DESCRIPTION:  www.jacksonstone.co.nz

REFERENCE:  BH-11526

FURTHER ENQUIRIES: Simon Boyes on 04 550 8026 or Donna Williams on 04 550 8020