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Mō mātou | About us
 
Waikato Waters is a brand-new, publicly owned water utility bringing together water and wastewater services across the Waikato region — built from the ground up to deliver for communities today and for generations to come.
 
Te tūranga | The role
 
This is the senior communications role for a brand-new organisation operating under public and political scrutiny from day one. Reporting to the Chief Strategy and Partnerships Officer, you will set Waikato Waters communication direction, protect its brand and reputation, and ensure the organisation speaks with a clear, consistent and credible voice — internally and externally.
 
Ō mahi | What you'll do

• Develop and deliver organisation-wide communication and engagement strategies
• Provide strategic communication advice to the CE, ELT and senior leaders
• Build, protect and enhance the Waikato Waters brand, profile and reputation
• Implement Waikato Waters media policy and coordinate media and OIA responses
• Enable two-way engagement with customers, communities, staff, iwi Māori and partners
• Lead communication planning for significant operational events, transitions and changes

Ō pūkenga | What you'll bring
 
You are a senior communications professional who has operated in a high-scrutiny public or public-adjacent environment — with the instincts to manage reputation risk and the editorial discipline to hold a brand together under pressure.

• Significant experience in a senior communications, public affairs or engagement leadership role
• Demonstrated experience in brand management, media management and strategic communication advice
• Strong writing and editing skills across a range of formats and audiences
• Experience managing OIA processes and media relationships in a high-scrutiny environment
• Experience developing culturally appropriate communication with Māori communities

He aha ai mātou | Why join us
 
Waikato Waters is being built once — and you'd be part of that. He waka eke noa, we are all in this together. The work is real, the impact is visible, and the team we're assembling is genuinely exceptional. We offer competitive remuneration, health insurance, and hybrid working where the role allows. To learn more about Waikato Waters, visit www.waikatowaters.co.nz
 
Me pēhea te tono | How to apply
 
Applications close 2 May 2026. For a full position description or for a confidential chat contact us via HR@waikatowaters.co.nz
 
 

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