Establishment Chair

• Lead the establishment of Southern Waters, a new joint water services entity
• Foundation Governance Leadership Opportunity
• Experienced Chair
• Location is Lower South Island (Central Otago, Otago, Southland)

The Opportunity

Southern Waters is a new joint water services entity being established by Central Otago, Clutha, and Gore District Councils. This is a rare opportunity to lead governance for a multi-year transformation that will bring together people, systems, technology and services into a single, future-ready organisation.

Southern Waters is seeking an experienced Chair to work at pace alongside the Project Steering Group and Programme Director, to shape the vision, strategic direction and establishment of a new commercial entity, ensuring robust governance, strong stakeholder engagement, effective risk management and high-quality decision making.

About You
You will be an experienced Chair with a proven track record in commercial environments. You will bring strategic thinking, sound judgement, change leadership and a deep understanding of governance best practice. Experience in establishing new entities/start-ups with multiple shareholders is required, and knowledge of local government plus the legislative and operational frameworks for water services will be desirable (but not essential).  Your ability to be the ‘spokesperson’, work at pace, manage complexity, leverage professional relationships and foster collaboration will set you apart.

This is a legacy role. You’ll be instrumental in building a new organisation that will serve communities for generations. You’ll work with committed partners and have a clear mandate, with the opportunity to make your mark.

Candidates can apply, in strict confidence, online at www.sheffield.co.nz

To apply by email, please attach your cover letter and CV and send to cvchc@sheffield.co.nz quoting 9073aa.  Applications close on 2nd November 2025.  Emails will be electronically acknowledged, and further correspondence may be by email. 

Click here to view the Candidate Briefing document including a full Position Description.

For more information please phone Louise Green on +64 3 353 4367.