New Leadership Appointments Announced for Water Services Authority - Taumata Arowai

Minister Brown highlighted the importance of these appointments in aligning with the ongoing and future work under the "Local Water Done Well" program.

Minister of Local Government Simeon Brown has announced the appointment of new members to the Board of the Water Services Authority - Taumata Arowai, including a new chair, and the reappointment of two members to the Authority’s Māori Advisory Group.

Former Watercare chief executive Raveen Jaduram has been named the new Chair of the Authority’s Board. He will be joined by Amanda Singleton and Dr. Frances Hughes as new Board members. All appointments are for a three-year term, beginning on 29 August 2024.

Riki Ellison and Bonita Bigham have been reappointed to the Authority’s Māori Advisory Group, with Mr. Ellison also taking on the role of Chair. Their reappointments are also for a three-year term, commencing on 29 August.

Minister Brown highlighted the importance of these appointments in aligning with the ongoing and future work under the "Local Water Done Well" program. “The collective knowledge and experience of the new Board and Māori Advisory Group members will be valuable going forward,” he said.

Earlier this month, the Government announced several changes to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of the drinking water regulatory regime. These changes include considering the cost of compliance on suppliers, reducing the regulatory burden on very small drinking water supplies, and enabling the Authority to issue exemptions from certain regulatory requirements where compliance is impractical, inefficient, or unduly costly.

“My appointment of Mr. Jaduram as Chair, along with new members Amanda Singleton and Dr. Frances Hughes, reflects the increased emphasis on the Authority’s collaboration with local government and the practicalities of providing infrastructure and local water services,” Minister Brown added.

He also extended his gratitude to the outgoing Chair of the Authority’s Board, Dame Karen Poutasi, and the outgoing Chair of the Māori Advisory Group, Tipa Mahuta, for their dedicated service.

“I look forward to working with the new members as they begin their terms,” Mr. Brown concluded.