• New Water Entity, Growth Focus
• Complex, large scale capital infrastructure
• Strategic establishment opportunity

Mō mātou | About Us

IAWAI – Flowing Waters is the new water entity for the Hamilton City and Waikato District areas, owned jointly by these two Councils.  From 1 July 2026, IAWAI will take the lead in delivering safe, reliable, and efficient water services across the region.

Guided by Te Ture Whaimana o Te Awa o Waikato, we are more than a service provider – we are a values-led entity committed to environmental stewardship, cultural integrity, and commercial strength.  

IAWAI is complex both in size and scale.  In addition to the operations and maintenance of all existing operations, we will need to deliver an estimated $3.6b capital works programme over the next decade, provide stormwater services to both shareholding councils, complete the procurement and installation of universal water metering across Hamilton, and move to direct engagement with customers and harmonised pricing for water and wastewater across the whole service area.

Mō tēnei tūranga mahi | About this role

As Chief Financial Officer, you’ll play a pivotal role in shaping IAWAI’s financial strategy, systems, and culture from the ground up.  This is a rare opportunity to lead the financial establishment of a new public entity, drive long-term investment planning, and embed robust financial stewardship that reflects the values of partnership, transparency, and public good.  Over the next three years, you’ll also guide the transition from shared services to a fully self-sufficient CCO, as new enterprise systems and capabilities are established. Your key responsibilities will be;

• Strategic Financial Leadership: Develop and implement IAWAI’s financial strategy aligned with Te Ture Whaimana o Te Awa o Waikato, infrastructure planning, and community wellbeing.
• People Leadership: Working as part of the ELT to create a high performance, engaged, customer centred culture across IAWAI.
• Establishment & Transition: Lead the financial formation of the CCO, including systems design, policy development, and integration of council financial functions.
• Operational Excellence: Oversee budgeting, accounting, procurement, and reporting, ensuring compliance with public sector standards and audit requirements.
• Investment & Asset Management: Drive long-term capital planning and lifecycle costing in partnership with infrastructure teams.
• Shared Services Oversight: Provide strategic oversight of shared services from the Councils (Finance, HR, Digital, Billing, Customer Interface, Facilities), ensuring alignment with organisational priorities, holding providers accountable for agreed service levels, and supporting the transition to a fully self-sufficient CCO.
• Stakeholder Engagement:  Build trusted relationships with councils, iwi/Māori partners, regulators, and communities, ensuring financial transparency and equity.

Ko wai koe | About you

We are looking for a seasoned finance executive, CA qualified, and ideally with CFO level experience.  You will bring a rare blend of strategic insight, commercial acumen and the pragmatism needed to get things done.  In particular you will need:

• Financial leadership experience in a capital heavy sector such as infrastructure, utilities or local government.
• Proven success in organisational establishment or transformation, where you have implemented new systems and delivered genuine innovation and efficiency.
• A commitment to delivering outstanding value to our customers, both now and in the future.
• A curious, strategic mindset focussed on continuous improvement as well as clearly evidenced commercial acumen and the ability to work at both pace and scale.
• Strong interpersonal and influencing skills, with the ability to negotiate, gain buy-in, and bring others along while ensuring delivery on agreed outcomes.
• Commitment to our values including our commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi.

This role is a chance to co-create a legacy and use your expertise to tackle genuine strategic challenges for this fast growing region.

Me pēhea te tuku tono | How to apply

For a copy of the information pack please email Amy Tea at info@amytea.co.nz
To apply, please email your cover letter and CV to apply@amytea.co.nz
Applications close Sunday, 16th November 2025.

You must have the right to live and work in Aotearoa New Zealand to apply for this job.