North Canterbury's New Water Services Entity Takes Shape with Inaugural Board Appointments

The latest development in North Canterbury's water services has seen the appointment of two new board members to the Kaikōura Hurunui Water Services Ltd (KHWS) entity. This move brings the board to its full complement of five directors, marking a significant milestone in the establishment of the council-controlled organisation under the Local Water Done Well legislation.

The Hurunui and Kaikōura district councils have chosen their representatives, with Murray Strong from Hurunui and Diane Brandish from Kaikōura joining chairperson Karl Smith, Lee Babe, and Ross Pickworth on the board. According to Smith, the new appointments will bring 'depth and capability' to the role, providing the entity with the necessary governance expertise and representation to establish a strong, well-run organisation from the outset.

Murray Strong, with over two decades of experience in governance for private, public, and not-for-profit organisations, currently serves as the chair of Selwyn Water. His extensive background is expected to be a valuable asset to the board. Diane Brandish, a chartered accountant, has a wealth of experience in local government, including a 20-year tenure with the Christchurch City Council. She also serves on the Kaikōura council's audit and risk committee and is a director of Innovative Waste Kaikōura.

The establishment of KHWS is part of a broader effort to improve water services in the region, ensuring that the communities have access to safe, reliable, and efficient water supply and wastewater management. The Local Water Done Well legislation aims to enhance the governance and management of water services, providing a framework for the establishment of council-controlled organisations like KHWS.

The appointments of Strong and Brandish have been welcomed by the community, with many expressing confidence in the entity's ability to provide effective governance and representation. The full complement of the board is seen as a crucial step towards establishing a well-run organisation that can meet the needs of the community and ensure the long-term sustainability of the region's water services.

In the context of New Zealand's water reform, the establishment of KHWS and the appointment of its inaugural board members are significant developments. The reform aims to address the historical issues and challenges faced by the country's water services, including aging infrastructure, inadequate funding, and inconsistent service delivery. The new entity is expected to play a vital role in addressing these challenges and improving the overall quality of water services in North Canterbury.

As the entity begins its operations, the community will be watching closely to see how it delivers on its promises. The appointments of Strong and Brandish are seen as positive steps towards establishing a strong and effective governance structure. With the full board in place, KHWS is now well-positioned to tackle the complex challenges facing the region's water services and work towards a more sustainable and resilient future.

The journey ahead for KHWS will undoubtedly be challenging, but with the right leadership and governance in place, the entity is well-equipped to navigate the complexities of the water services sector. As the community looks to the future, they can take confidence in the knowledge that the new entity is committed to delivering high-quality water services that meet their needs and exceed their expectations.