Head of Economic Regulation
Help shape investment that delivers value for our communities and protects the vital water services they depend on for generations to come.
Head of Economic Regulation
Shape the strategic approach to economic regulation at Tiaki Wai
Play a critical role in building confidence in Tiaki Wai through good regulation
Senior strategic leadership opportunity based in Petone
This is a full-time, permanent position of 40 hours per week.
The opportunity
As Head of Economic Regulation, you’ll lead the development and delivery of Tiaki Wai’s economic regulation strategy. You’ll hold the strategic relationship with the Commerce Commission, including leading significant regulatory submissions and processes.
You will help translate complex regulatory requirements to support both compliance and to help improve outcomes for consumers.
In this role your priorities will include:
Shaping Tiaki Wai’s economic regulatory strategy to deliver sustainable, long-term community outcomes.
Leading our strategic relationship with the Commerce Commission and other regulatory stakeholders.
Leading our response to Commerce Commission consultation processes.
Advising the Board and executive leaders on complex economic and regulatory matters.
Helping build regulatory capability across investment, finance, planning and operational functions.
About you
To be successful in this role you will bring:
Significant senior experience in the economic regulation of infrastructure or utility services, ideally within a Part 4 regulatory regime, with a combined 15+ years working in regulated environment.
Experience leading regulatory strategy, submissions, determinations or major reviews.
Credibility working directly with economic regulators, Boards and executive leaders.
Strong knowledge of economic regulation, infrastructure investment and incentive frameworks.
A relevant qualification in legal, economics, finance, public policy or a related discipline.
You’ll be an influential and commercially astute leader who can see the bigger picture. You understand that good economic regulation is about more than compliance to achieve value for customers and protecting the essential services communities rely on every day.
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.
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: 17th November 2026
How to apply
For a full position description, or more information, please contact andrew.howard@tiakiwai.co.nz
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.
You must be legally entitled to work long-term in New Zealand or eligible to obtain a working visa.
- Department
- Risk and Compliance
- Location
- 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.
