Marlborough District Council has begun the process of recruiting directors for the inaugural board of the new dedicated water services organisation that will take over responsibility for drinking water, wastewater, and stormwater services on 1 July 2027.
The new water organisation, Marlborough Waters Limited, is 100% owned by Marlborough District Council. It will oversee a $410 million infrastructure investment programme serving approximately 82% of Marlborough’s homes and businesses.
Under the Government’s Local Water Done Well legislation, board members must be independent directors appointed based on professional competency – elected members and council employees cannot sit on the board. This requirement is designed to ensure Marlborough Waters is run by independent water services experts.
Mayor, Nadine Taylor said the board would be central to the organisation’s success.
“The people we appoint to this board will deliver Marlborough’s water services future. We are looking for experienced, capable directors who will lift our municipal water services delivery capability and capacity – and maintain the trust of the whole community,” she said.
The recruitment process is being run by independent recruitment agency Sheffield. A Water Organisation Appointment Panel will oversee the recruitment process, shortlist candidates, undertake interviews and make recommendations on the directors’ appointments to Council. The panel will include three Councillors (appointed by the Mayor), an experienced independent director, and an iwi representative. Applications open on May 15 and close on June 1, with appointments expected to be confirmed by the end of July.
Once appointed, the board will hire a chief executive and begin establishing the management team that will lead Marlborough Waters into its first year of full operations.
Establishment Chief Executive, Richard Coningham encouraged anyone with relevant experience to consider applying.
“This is a genuinely significant governance opportunity,” said Mr Coningham.
“Marlborough Waters will oversee one of the largest infrastructure investment programmes in the region’s history.
“We want directors who are passionate about water services and committed to delivering for this community over the long term,” he said.
