Dr Keith Turner CNZM has been appointed chair, alongside directors Pat Dougherty and Todd Muller. Together they will help guide the establishment of the new entity on behalf of Tauranga City Council and Western Bay of Plenty District Council ahead of its planned start date of 1 July 2027.
Dr Keith Turner CNZM has been appointed chair of the new Water Organisation board.
Two further directors will be appointed later this year, or early 2027, to complete the Board.
Collectively, the three appointees bring experience establishing, governing and transforming some of New Zealand's most significant infrastructure and public service organisations, including Meridian Energy, Transpower, Chorus, Wellington Water, NZ Transport Agency, Priority One and Central Plains Water. Their experience spans water services, local government, organisational transition, infrastructure governance and regional leadership.
Western Bay of Plenty Mayor James Denyer says the appointments mark an important milestone in the establishment of the new organisation.
"Creating a new organisation of this scale is a significant undertaking, and it's important we have experienced leaders around the table from the outset.
"Keith, Pat and Todd bring an exceptional mix of governance, infrastructure, water sector and regional leadership experience. Importantly, they have all played key roles in helping organisations navigate periods of significant change and establish themselves for long-term success.
"These appointments are another important step in the journey.”
Tauranga City Council Tauriko Ward Councillor and Water Organisation Joint Committee Chair Marten Rozeboom says the appointments reflect a deliberate focus on finding people with the skills and experience needed to guide the organisation through its establishment phase.
"The Board will play a critical role over the next nine months as the organisation begins to take shape and prepares for a go-live date of 1 July next year.
"These appointments give us confidence the organisation is starting with strong governance and a clear focus on delivering safe and reliable water services for our communities."
Incoming Chair Dr Keith Turner says the opportunity to help establish a new organisation that will serve the people of Tauranga and the Western Bay for generations to come is both a privilege and a responsibility.
"I hope to use the experience in both governance and organisation start-ups I have acquired from many national initiatives for the benefit of the local community. As a local resident, I will be close to the action.
"There is a strong programme already in place and I'm looking forward to working alongside councils, tangata whenua, stakeholders and staff to help prepare the organisation for a successful start in July next year."
The newly appointed Board will become effective from 1 September 2026 and is expected to hold its first meeting later that month.
The Joint Water Organisation will be responsible for delivering water, wastewater and stormwater services across Tauranga and the Western Bay from 1 July 2027.