Current Water Services Council-Controlled Organisation (WSCCO) Programme Director, Maseina Koneferenisi, has been appointed Chief Executive of QLDC 3Waters Ltd, the Queenstown Lakes District’s new dedicated WSCCO.
WSCCO Board Chair, Dr Julian Elder said the appointment followed a national recruitment campaign.
“The Board is delighted with Maseina’s appointment,” said Dr Elder.
“She brings extensive experience in the delivery of water services, has earned a strong reputation across the sector, and is widely respected for her leadership and collaborative approach.
“Combined with her significant commercial experience, Maseina is exceptionally well placed to lead the organisation as it establishes itself as a high-performing, regulated provider focused on delivering efficient, sustainable, and customer-focused services.”
With over 30 years’ senior leadership experience in the water sector across both local government and the private sector, Ms Koneferenisi (pictured) has been leading the establishment of the WSCCO since 9 February. She is a former Chief Executive of a Council-Controlled Trading Organisation specialising in three waters process engineering and digital compliance systems and previously served as General Manager Infrastructure and Assets at Masterton District Council. She was also the Establishment Director in the Department of Internal Affairs National Transition Unit, where she led the proposed implementation of four entities combining 23 councils under the Three Waters reform.
Her experience spans the breadth of three waters functions, including operations, asset, contract and project management, compliance, engineering and technical management, and strategic and long-term planning.
Mayor, John Glover said the new WSCCO board had hit the ground running.
“My experience to date suggests that Maz clearly has the drive to deliver on the organisation’s mission and I congratulate the Board on the choice they have made,” he said.
Ms Koneferenisi says she is looking forward to transitioning into the Chief Executive role.
“I am honoured to be appointed Chief Executive Officer and excited to lead the team responsible for delivering safe, reliable water services for our communities from 1 July 2027,” she said.
“Our immediate priority is to build a strong and sustainable organisation that is ready to meet new regulatory requirements while providing certainty for our people, partners, and customers. Together, we have a unique opportunity to deliver the water services our communities can rely on for generations.”
Dr Elder says the Board does not underestimate the challenges ahead.
“We will be taking a fresh look at our water, wastewater and stormwater services to deliver the best outcomes for the district and mana whenua, in terms of service, the environment and public health. Having our Chief Executive already in place for these decisions enables us to lay the groundwork and move forward quickly,” he said.
Ms Koneferenisi will officially begin as Chief Executive in mid-October.
The new WSCCO/QLDC 3Waters Ltd is 100% owned by Queenstown Lakes District Council and takes responsibility for the district’s drinking water, wastewater and stormwater services from 1 July 2027.
