Tuesday, 02 June 2026
Search for inaugural chief executive of Queenstown Lakes water services organisation
While the advertisement does not have a formal closing date, it is anticipated an appointment will be made by late July.
The search is under way for the inaugural chief executive to lead Queenstown Lakes District’s new Council-controlled organisation (WSCCO), which will assume responsibility for all water services from 1 July 2027.
Recruitment for the role has opened through a specialist agency - see their website for details.
WSCCO Chair Dr Julian Elder said the appointment was critical to delivering one of the district’s most significant organisational transformations.
“Water services are a core part of Council operations, and transitioning these into a whole new organisation is a major undertaking. There are multiple stakeholders and interests to balance, and the work will take place within a complex and highly regulated environment. We know how important wai is for mana whenua in this area and we’ll be looking for someone who has a strong understanding of te ao Māori,” said Dr Elder.
The role calls for a chief executive skilled at shaping culture from scratch and guiding people through uncertainty with fairness and transparency. It also calls for a proven track record leading whole-of-organisation performance in regulated or infrastructure-intensive, commercial environments.
“We’re moving at pace to establish the new water services organisation and are keen to find the right candidate as soon as possible,” said Dr Elder.
While the advertisement does not have a formal closing date, it is anticipated an appointment will be made by late July.
Meanwhile, four directors have been selected for the WSCCO board and will be put forward for Council approval at the next Full Council meeting on 25 June 2026.
ENDS | KUA MUTU.
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