Manager Governance

Tiaki Wai; Wellington; Hybrid; NZD 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible work arrangement (up to 2 WFH

Wellbeing day (1 paid)

Professional development opportunities

5 weeks annual leave after 2 years

Job summary

Tiaki Wai seeks an experienced governance practitioner to lead a small team, shaping governance framework and ensuring regulatory compliance across the organisation. You will advise the Board, Board Committees and Chief Executive, delivering high-quality governance papers and reports.

You will build cross‑organisational relationships, influence senior leaders, and drive continuous improvement in governance practices, while working within a Crown‑entity style environment and with external

Qualifications

• Proven experience as a governance practitioner.
• Experience leading teams and advising senior leaders.
• Strong written communication and document management skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead a small team to provide advice and support to the Tiaki Wai Board and executives.
• Develop and maintain governance framework, policies, delegations, and procedures.
• Collaborate with the Company Secretary to deliver high‑quality governance support.
• Build relationships across the organisation and with external stakeholders."

Skills

Leadership

Governance

Strategic planning

Stakeholder management

Regulatory compliance

Job description

• 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

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.

For further information, email: [e-mail]

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.