Chief Water Specialist (Auckland) at Taumata Arowai, Auckland

Mō tēnei tūranga mahi | About this role

• Location: Auckland 
• Work Type: Permanent, full-time 40 hours
• Business Group: Operations 
• Salary: $161,234 - $179,249 - $206,136 

An exciting new role leading drinking water regulation and oversight in Auckland and providing insight into the region's storm and wastewater performance. 

Ko wai mātou | About us  

The Water Services Authority - Taumata Arowai (the Authority) was established as a Crown Entity in 2021, following the outbreak of illness in the Havelock North community as a result of drinking contaminated water from the public water supply. The Authority oversees and regulates the safety and quality of drinking water, wastewater and stormwater services across New Zealand. We do this on behalf of consumers and communities throughout New Zealand, so they can have confidence in the safety and quality of their drinking water and the impact on their environment. 

If you're a passionate and driven individual who shares our vision for making water safe every day for everyone, then join us and be part of making a difference. 

Mō tēnei tūranga mahi | About this role 

Our Chief Water Specialist (Auckland) will provide regulatory oversight of drinking water suppliers in the Auckland region, as well as leadership, operational insight and oversight relating to the Auckland region's storm and wastewater performance.  

As Chief Water Specialist (Auckland) you will 

• Represent the Authority's interests in Auckland, providing leadership and oversight of Watercare as the region's largest drinking water provider. 

• Swiftly develop and maintain strong relationships with Watercare, Auckland Council and other key stakeholders in the Auckland region and water sector. 

• Monitor compliance with regulatory requirements across Auckland water services and ensure any identified areas of non-compliance or public health risk are identified and addressed in line with the Authority's Compliance Monitoring and Enforcement Strategy. 

• Lead and collaborate with cross-functional teams, ensuring consistency across the Operations group. 

• Contribute actively as a member of the Operations Leadership Team and mentor operational staff. 

Innovation and creativity are key drivers in the way we work - our size requires us to be smart and agile. 

Ko koe tēnei | About you 

We are looking for someone who  

• Is highly regarded within the Auckland water sector or wider industry with a proven ability to quickly establish meaningful relationships. 

• Brings significant experience in water services. 

• Has demonstrated experience in the operation, maintenance or oversight of drinking or wastewater treatment facilities. 

• Has the ability to navigate and manage complex relationships in a regulatory context. 

• Understands how to apply risk management frameworks to decision making. 

• Brings strong interpersonal and engagement skills. 

To learn more about working at the Authority, please visit our Ngā Mahi | Careers Page 

Me pēhea te tuku tono | How to apply 
All aplications must be submitted through our Talent Portal. 

Rā Katinga | Applications close 11:59pm Sunday 25 January 2026. 

You must have a legal right to work in New Zealand.