Establishment Chief Executive

• A rare opportunity to lead a transformationalchapter in Aotearoa’s water services
• Establish a new joint CCO serving the Timaru andMackenzie districts
• Fixed-term two-year appointment
• Attractive remuneration package
• Based in Timaru or Mackenzie Districts

A new JointWater Organisation (JWO) is being established by Timaru District Council andMackenzie District Council under the Government's Local Water Done Wellframework. The JWO will operate as a Council Controlled Organisation, delivering drinking water and wastewater services to communities across bothdistricts, with assets of close to half a billion dollars and responsibilityfor essential services for current and future generations.

This is a rareopportunity to shape an organisation from inception. As Establishment ChiefExecutive you will lead the JWO through its establishment phase, building thesystems, frameworks, culture, and teams required for operational readiness from1 July 2027, and then guide the organisation into early steady-stateoperations.

Reporting tothe Board of Directors via the Chairperson, you will hold accountability foreverything from strategic direction and organisational capability-building toregulatory compliance, service delivery, and authentic engagement with mana whenuaand the wider community.

The Mackenzie andTimaru Districts together form one of New Zealand's most distinctive regions – witha combined total of 10,197 square kilometres across the Southern Alps, the MackenzieBasin and the coastal plains of the Timaru District.

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• Leadingdevelopment and delivery of the Establishment Plan, ensuring the JWO reachesfull operational readiness on time and to standard
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• Standing up theorganisation's operating model - systems, policies, governance frameworks,employment arrangements, and organisational structure
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• Managingfinancial planning, budgeting, reporting through establishment and into earlyoperations
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• Leading thetransfer of staff, assets, data, and contracts from the shareholding councilsinto the new entity
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• Workingalongside the Board to set strategic direction and ensure stronggovernance–management boundaries from the outset
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• Ensuringcompliance with all statutory and regulatory obligations for Taumata Arowai,the Commerce Commission, and the Department of Internal Affairs
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• Building acapable, values-led leadership team and an organisational culture that reflectsthe communities the JWO serves
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• Maintainingtrusted relationships with both Shareholder Councils, Mana Whenua, regulators,customers, and the public
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• Proven seniorexecutive leadership in complex,publicly accountable, or regulated environments - CEO, GM, or equivalent.
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• Demonstratedexperience leading organisational establishment, major transition, or transformation - getting things done in tighttimeframes.
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• Strongcommercial and financial acumen includinginfrastructure asset management, capital investment, and financialsustainability.
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• Soundunderstanding of public sector or CCO governance and the ability to maintain a clear and effectivegovernance–management interface.
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• Exceptionalstakeholder engagement skills - credible withelected members, regulators, Mana Whenua, and communities.
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• The culturalcompetence and genuine empathy to buildenduring, respectful partnerships with Iwi and Papatipu Rūnaka.
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• Personalresilience and sound judgement to lead throughambiguity and deliver in a high-stakes, high-visibility environment.
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Experience inwater services, utilities, or local government would be an advantage. A genuineconnection and willingness to be based in South Canterbury or the Mackenzie region will be well regarded.

This is a legacy role. The Establishment CE will shape an organisation that will deliveressential services to the communities of Timaru and Mackenzie for generations.You'll work with two committed councils, a focused Board, and a clear mandateand you'll have the opportunity to build something that matters.

The region isremarkable. The JWO is one of the more ambitious pieces of water reform in theSouth Island. The right person will see this not just as a job but as a chapterworth being part of.

The JointWater Organisation is a new CCO established by Timaru District Council andMackenzie District Council, 100% owned by those two councils. It will deliverdrinking water and wastewater services across both districts from 1 July 2027,with an asset base of close to $500 million. The organisation is beingincorporated by 31 October 2026.

To apply by email, pleaseattach your cover letter and CV in a PDF format wherever possible and send to [email protected] quoting 9204SIlg.Applications close on 5 July 2026. Emails will be electronicallyacknowledged, and further correspondence may be by email.

For more information please phone Kate Kennedy on +64 3 353 4353.