Proven leaders with experience establishing and transforming some of New Zealand’s largest infrastructure organisations have been appointed to the Board of Tauranga and Western Bay’s new Joint Water Organisation.
Dr Keith Turner CNZM has been appointed chair, alongside directors Pat Dougherty and former Bay of Plenty politician Todd Muller.
Turner, experienced New Zealand energy-sector leader, was appointed a Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit in 2024 for services to the electricity industry.
Guide establishment
The Western Bay of Plenty District Council said Turner, Dougherty and Muller would help guide the establishment of the new entity on behalf of Tauranga City Council and the Western Bay council ahead of its planned start date of July 1 next year.
Two further directors would be appointed this year, or early 2027, to complete the board, the council said.
Collectively, the three appointees brought 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 spanned water services, local government, organisational transition, infrastructure governance and regional leadership.
Western Bay of Plenty Mayor James Denyer said the appointments marked an important milestone in the establishment of the new organisation.
Significant undertaking
“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,” Denyer said.
“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 said the appointments reflected 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 July 1 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.”
As incoming chair, Turner said the opportunity to help establish a new organisation that would serve the people of Tauranga and the Western Bay for generations to come was both a privilege and a responsibility.
Close to the action
“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,” he said.
“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 would become effective from September 1 and was expected to hold its first meeting that month.
The Joint Water Organisation would be responsible for delivering water, wastewater and stormwater services across Tauranga and the Western Bay from July 1, 2027.
Further information, including background material, timelines and key dates, is available at: westernbay.govt.nz/your-water-and-networks/local-water-done-well