- Shaping the establishment of the QLDC Water Services CCO
- Foundation governance leadership opportunity for experienced, commercial Chair
- Partner with committed shareholder and community that cares deeply about the Queenstown Lakes district and its environment.
The Organisation
Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC) is setting up a wholly owned Water Services Council-Controlled Organisation (WSCCO) to plan, fund and deliver drinking water, wastewater, and stormwater services for the Queenstown Lakes district.
The Role
QLDC is now seeking an experienced, and commercial, Chair to guide the establishment of the WSCCO and support its development in alignment with the emerging Statement of Expectations. This role will be pivotal in shaping the organisation’s strategic direction, leading governance of this new entity and overseeing risk, assurance and performance, and appointing the inaugural Chief Executive.
This is a rare opportunity to build a future-ready, financially sustainable water services organisation serving one of Aotearoa New Zealand’s most distinctive communities in a world-renowned environment - where reliable and sustainable water services are central to supporting the district’s, wellbeing, growth, and tourism brand.
Skills & Experience:
With an affinity for the region and extensive governance experience in highly regulated and complex high-risk sectors, you’ll lead at pace alongside Council to shape the vision, strategy, and operating model - ensuring robust governance and risk settings.
You will work closely with Council (as shareholder), manawhenua, and regulators - providing confident, forward-looking, transparent leadership within a high-scrutiny, politically sensitive environment.
You will have a proven track record in large infrastructure management or governance and of operating within commercial entities. You will also have an understanding of the accountability requirements of the role, and of the obligations to QLDC as shareholder.
Candidates of interest will also:
- bring strategic thinking, curiosity, sound judgement, change leadership, a continuous improvement mindset, and a deep understanding of governance best practice.
- have proven ability with stakeholder engagement, and the ability to establish close working relationships and trust with QLDC, Council, Taumata Arowai, Commerce Commission, mana whenua, communities, and industry partners.
- have experience in establishing new entities/start-ups
- have an affinity for the district’s natural environment and understand its importance to local communities.
Experience with environments similar to the Queenstown Lakes District is desirable - particularly in relation to intense growth, seasonal populations, and working with smaller communities with high expectations.
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.