Three Waters Policy Lead
Shape the future of water services policy across Wellington, leading complex bylaw reviews and developing practical, evidence-based policy that supports regional decision-making.
Shape water services policy and bylaws across the Tiaki Wai rohe
Lead complex policy reviews with significant regional influence
Specialist role with scope to influence policy and decision-making
This is a full time position of 40 hours per week based in Petone.
The remuneration range for this role is $120,817.42 to $170,565.86 (including KiwiSaver) depending on skills and experience
The opportunity
This is a significant opportunity for an experienced policy professional to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of water services policy in Wellington, Porirua, Upper Hutt and Lower Hutt.
As Three Waters Policy Lead, you'll lead the review, development and harmonisation of water services policies and bylaws, helping establish a consistent and coordinated regional approach. With legislative requirements and policy work programmes to deliver, you'll bring your expertise to complex reviews, develop evidence-based recommendations and support both councils and Tiaki Wai through consultation and decision-making processes.
Working closely with council policy teams, mana whenua, legal advisors and subject matter experts, you'll navigate differing priorities, build alignment and translate complex policy and regulatory matters into practical outcomes.
This is a senior technical specialist role rather than a people leadership position, offering the autonomy to lead significant policy work, influence senior decision-makers and establish policy frameworks and practices that will support Tiaki Wai well into the future.
For an accomplished policy professional who enjoys complex challenges and stakeholder engagement, this is an opportunity to have a lasting impact on how water services are planned and managed across Wellington.
You will:
Lead the review, development and harmonisation of water services policies and bylaws, ensuring alignment with legislative and regulatory requirements.
Develop robust policy frameworks, standards and processes that support consistent, high-quality policy development across Tiaki Wai.
Provide expert analysis, advice and recommendations, translating complex legislative and regulatory issues into practical solutions.
Drive consultation and engagement with councils, regulators and key stakeholders, building alignment across differing interests and priorities.
Influence senior decision-making through clear reporting, briefing papers, quality assurance and specialist policy advice.
About you
To be successful in this role, you will bring:
A relevant tertiary qualification in public policy, law, political science, planning, economics, environmental management or a related discipline.
Strong experience in policy development, review, analysis and evaluation, ideally involving complex policy or bylaw reviews.
Sound knowledge of local government processes, legislative frameworks and regulatory requirements.
Strong communication, influencing and stakeholder management skills, with experience preparing advice for senior decision makers.
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: 24th November 2026
How to apply
To view a copy of the position description: click here
Due to the delivery timeframes associated with this role, we will be reviewing and shortlisting applications as they are received. We encourage interested candidates to apply as soon as possible.
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
- Strategy and Planning
- Role
- Service Planning
- 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.
