Experienced board appointed for Central Districts Water

Central Districts Water is a jointly owned council-controlled organisation that will deliver drinking water, wastewater and stormwater services across the three districts from 1 July 2027.

Seventy-eight people applied to join the Central Districts Water Board. Interviews were undertaken by representatives of the Shareholders’ Committee.

The full Shareholders’ Committee, made up of the mayors, elected members and representatives from Ngā Tapuwae o Hau, met on Friday and appointed the board.
Ngā Tapuwae o Hau is a rōpū (working group) formed by the collective iwi across the three council regions to represent them.

The committee will now work with the board to set expectations and support the establishment of Central Districts Water. The board members are:

Hon Steve Maharey, CNZM (Chair) has extensive governance experience across Central and Local Government as well as internationally. He is a former Vice-Chancellor of Massey University, Senior Cabinet Minister, Member of Parliament for Palmerston North, Palmerston North City Councillor and academic.

Dr Sue Bidrose has served as Chief Executive of both Dunedin City Council and AgResearch and holds governance roles across commercial, financial services and public sector organisations.

Dave Chambers is the former Chief Executive of Watercare Services and former Managing Director of Progressive Enterprises (Countdown/Woolworths New Zealand), bringing more than 40 years’ experience leading large, complex and customer-focused organisations.

Jon Nichols is a professional director with extensive experience across regulated infrastructure, energy and public-sector assurance, including governance roles with electricity networks, airports and ports.

Linda Robertson is an experienced professional director and board chair with deep expertise in governance, audit and risk, financial markets and investment oversight, holding governance roles across energy, banking and large investment organisations.

Pahia Turia is an experienced iwi and asset governance leader with more than 25 years’ involvement across post-settlement governance, primary industries and regional economic development, including as Chair of Te Ohu Kaimoana.

Shareholders’ Committee Chair Dr Chris Gallavin says the calibre of the Board reflects the importance of establishing strong governance from the outset.

“We were very impressed by the calibre of applicants and the depth of experience, professionalism and practical expertise of those appointed. I’m confident the public and ratepayers will take reassurance from the strength of this board. The Shareholders’ Committee look forward to working with them to build an effective, cost-efficient and resilient water company and to strengthen confidence in the stewardship of one of our communities’ most critical infrastructure services.”

The Board will now begin its induction process and start work supporting the establishment of Central Districts Water. Board Chair Hon Steve Maharey says the Board’s immediate focus is on supporting the establishment work already underway and ensuring the organisation is well prepared for the responsibilities it will take on in 2027.

“The next stage of work is about building a strong and capable organisation and working closely with councils, iwi, staff and our communities across the three districts. We will meet in person for the first time after Easter, and that will include meeting Elected Members from the three councils, key government officials involved in water reform, and staff involved in water services in the three districts. Our role is to ensure Central Districts Water is set up well from the start so it can deliver reliable, and efficient water services for the communities it serves.”

Palmerston North City Council’s Deputy Chief Executive Chris Dhyrberg will continue to support the board and Shareholders’ Committee as the Executive Director for the establishment program until a Chief Executive for the organisation is hired.

Central Districts Water will begin operating from 1 July 2027. Until that time, water services will continue to be delivered by Horowhenua District Council, Palmerston North City Council and Rangitīkei District Council, as they are today.

One place for information
A new Central Districts Water website and social media channels are now live, providing a single source of information for residents across Horowhenua, Palmerston North and Rangitīkei.

The website includes updates on the establishment of the organisation, information about governance and oversight, and answers to frequently asked questions.
Residents are encouraged to visit www.centraldistrictswater.co.nz to stay informed as the work progresses. They can also search Central Districts Water on Facebook and LinkedIN for updates.