Chief Executive
Northland
- Inaugural CE of landmark, publicly owned water services entity for Northland
- Shape essential infrastructure for 200,000 people across three districts
- Northland-based, with deep connections across the Te Tai Tokerau region
About this role | Mō tēnei tūranga mahi
Northland Waters Ngā Wai o Te Tai Tokerau is a newly established Council Controlled Organisation (CCO) responsible for delivering high-quality drinking water and wastewater services across the Northland region.
Established under the government’s Local Water Done Well framework and the Local Government (Water Services) Act 2024/2025, it is being formed by the three Northland district councils Whangarēi, Kaipara and Far North; with a mission to provide safe, sustainable and resilient water services that support community wellbeing, environmental health and economic growth.
Northland Waters will serve a combined population of approximately 200,000 across a geographically diverse region, managing significant infrastructure assets and a long-term capital investment programme spanning some of New Zealand’s most dynamic and culturally significant communities with one of the highest proportions of Māori residents of any region in Aotearoa.
The Chief Executive will establish the organisation from inception: building its culture, leading the transition from three council-operated services into one cohesive entity, and ensuring that Northland Waters earns and holds the trust of its communities, shareholders, mana whenua and regulators.
About you | Ko wai koe
We are seeking a visionary leader who can build a high-performing organisation, deliver exceptional water services and foster strong partnerships with councils, iwi, communities and stakeholders.
The successful candidate will have:
- Chief Executive or senior executive experience in a complex, multi-stakeholder, asset-intensive environment, ideally in infrastructure, utilities, water services or the public sector.
- Strong commercial acumen, including experience managing significant asset portfolios, large-scale capital programmes and the financial disciplines of a multi-stakeholder public entity.
- Experience leading organisational establishment or transformation and the relational intelligence to operate with integrity and mana across a diverse range of partners – councils, iwi, regulators and communities.
- A demonstrated understanding of Te Tiriti o Waitangi issues and of building partnerships with all communities in Northland or a comparable regional context.
- An inspirational leadership style with a commitment to safety, sustainability and community outcomes.
You will be prepared to have a genuine commitment to Northland, including being a resident.