Independent Chairperson - Water Services Committee

Stratford District Council is seeking expressions of interest from experienced governance professionals for appointment as the Independent Chairperson of its Water Services Committee.

About the Role

This is an exciting opportunity to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of water services delivery in the Stratford District. As the Independent Chairperson, you will provide governance leadership and oversight of Council's drinking water, wastewater and stormwater services. This includes supporting the establishment of the Stratford Waters Internal Business Unit while providing ongoing strategic governance and oversight of service delivery into the future.

Working collaboratively with elected members, mana whenua representatives, Council officers and key stakeholders, you will lead Committee meetings, facilitate effective decision making, and help ensure water services are delivered in a sustainable, efficient and compliant manner. You will foster constructive discussion, encourage robust governance oversight and support the Committee in delivering on its responsibilities to the community.

About the Committee

The Water Services Committee oversees and advises on the governance and delivery of water services in accordance with Council's Water Services Delivery Plan. The Committee plays an important role in providing strategic oversight of water services performance, compliance, risk management and long term sustainability. The Committee comprises the Independent Chairperson, Elected Members and Mana Whenua representatives. Its functions, responsibilities and delegations are set out in the Committee's Terms of Reference.

About You

You will be an experienced Chairperson with demonstrated governance experience and the ability to lead with integrity, independence and sound judgement. You will bring an inclusive and collaborative leadership style, enabling effective discussion, constructive debate, sound governance oversight and well considered decision making.

Experience in water services, infrastructure, utilities, asset management or related sectors would be advantageous, along with an understanding of financial, risk, regulatory and performance oversight. You will have excellent communication and relationship management skills, enabling you to build effective working relationships with a wide range of stakeholders.

An understanding of local government, Te Tiriti o Waitangi and effective engagement with iwi and mana whenua will be important, as will the ability to identify and appropriately manage actual, potential or perceived conflicts of interest. Knowledge of, or a connection to, Stratford and the wider Taranaki region would be highly regarded.

Expression of Interest

If you are interested in helping guide the future of water services governance in the Stratford District, we would welcome your expression of interest. For further information, please refer to the Candidate Briefing Document, which outlines the role, responsibilities, time commitment and appointment term. This is available at stratford.govt.nz/vacancies.

To be considered, please submit your curriculum vitae and a brief statement of interest to ***email_hidden*** with the subject line EOI - Independent Chairperson, Water Services Committee by 12 noon on Friday, 23 October 2026.