Manager Governance
Build governance capability at Tiaki Wai through strategic leadership, continuous improvement, and providing expert support to the Board, Committees and Chief Executive.
Governance practitioner and people manager providing strategic and operational expertise
Champion Tiaki Wai’s governance and regulatory compliance
Petone, Wellington
This is a full time, permanent position of 40 hours per week.
The opportunity
We are seeking an experienced governance practitioner to lead a small, dedicated team providing high-quality advice and support to the Tiaki Wai Board, Board Committees and Chief Executive. You’ll be responsible to building and leading the governance capability across the organisation ensuring the framework, procedures, policies and delegations are fit for purpose and meet business objectives.
Develop and manage effective governance practices ensuring legislative and regulatory compliance obligations are met, documented and communicated across the organisation.
Provide effective leadership to develop capability and inspire excellence in performance and delivery.
Create and lead a continuous improvement environment across the team to further influence governance best practice on a wider scale.
Work collaboratively with the Company Secretary to consistently deliver high-quality support, advice and expertise.
Build trusted working relationships across the organisation and with our external stakeholder partners.
About you
You will possess excellent written communication and document management skills with the ability to influence senior leaders
To be successful in this role you will bring:
People leadership capabilities; leading and coaching others to develop capability and drive consistency and best practice across the organisation.
Proven experience providing strategic governance in a highly regulated, Crown entity or public sector environment.
Demonstrated capability supporting and advising Boards, senior leaders and Board Committees.
Exceptional planning, organisational and written communication skills, including drafting governance papers, minutes and reports.
Professional relationship management with the ability to build rapport quicky, encompass a collaborative working style with influence and adaptability.
Benefits
At Tiaki Wai, our purpose extends beyond delivering great water services for the region; we foster a thriving community, support a diverse workforce, and offer supportive development opportunities. We genuinely care about your safety and wellbeing.
Our benefits include:
Flexible working arrangements including up to 2 days working from home
Comprehensive wellbeing programme, including one paid wellbeing day annually
Formal and informal professional development opportunities
5 weeks annual leave accrual will be available following 2 years of continual service
For a full list of our employee benefits click here.
About us
Tiaki Wai is a council-owned organisation responsible for managing the delivery of drinking water, wastewater, and stormwater services across Hutt Valley, Porirua, and Wellington.
We manage public-owned extensive water infrastructure and oversee the delivery of safe and reliable services for our communities. We focus on long-term investment, asset management, maintenance, and delivering major infrastructure projects that support public health, environmental protection, and regional growth.
Water is a precious taonga. At Tiaki Wai, we put care into every drop and are guided by our values of Integrity, Care, and Leadership. We work directly with water consumers and in partnership with councils and mana whenua to deliver better water outcomes for current and future generations.
Applications close: Monday 5 October 2026.
How to apply
To view a copy of the position description: click here
To apply for the role, click on the ‘apply’ button or visit the Tiaki Wai Careers site, if you are a Tiaki Wai employee please apply using your work email.
For further information, email: JoinUs@tiakiwai.co.nz
Applicants for safety sensitive roles will be required to undergo drug and alcohol testing prior to commencing employment with Tiaki Wai. You must also be legally entitled to work long-term in New Zealand or eligible to obtain a working visa.
- Department
- Risk and Compliance
- Locations
- Petone Office
Petone Office
Staff benefits
1. Inclusive Culture: It is important to us that people love our culture. We embrace a workplace where diversity is celebrated, and inclusivity is at our core. Our team is united by passion, dedication, and a shared care for water and our community.
2. Safety and Support: We provide an Employee Assistance Scheme for crucial personal support, along with wellbeing and lifestyle education delivered through our Wellbe Team, ensuring you feel supported in and out of the workplace.
3. Health is Wealth: We prioritise your health with an annual voluntary health "warrant of fitness," immunisations, and flu vaccinations. Moreover, enjoy annual subsidised vision testing and contributions toward glasses to ensure clear vision.
4. Work-Life Balance: Where possible there is access to flexible work practices. And take advantage of our annual leave, reaching five weeks after three years of service, and 10 days sick leave from starting with us. In addition, take one paid day a year for your personal Wellbeing. We also offer parental leave and partner entitlements to support you during significant life moments.
5. Comprehensive Benefits: We have partnered with providers for discounted Southern Cross medical insurance, periodic vision and hearing tests, and eyewear subsidies. You can also access discounts at a range of retailers via Boost. Gain access to top-notch gear, machinery, PPE, and tools, fostering a safe work environment if you are “on the tools”. We also offer a staff referral bonus paid when a person is recruited for a senior front line position, and we may offer relocation support if you need to move into the district to work here.
6. Professional Growth: Grow your skills with a range of development opportunities. Boosting your personal and work career.
7. Community Connection: You can take one paid day a year to participate in voluntary work on a water-related activity. And maybe join our active Waiata group and be part of a community that works together, sings, and thrives together.
