Hamilton City and Waikato District Councils have formed a publicly owned, Council-controlled Organisation (CCO) to deliver water services across Hamilton city and Waikato district. The company is called IAWAI - Flowing Waters and will take over the provision of water services from 1 July 2026. This transition will occur in stages such as the current Watercare contract for Waikato District Council transferring to the CCO on 1 July 2026.  

He angituutanga: The opportunity 

Shape the safety culture of a brand‑new water services organisation

IAWAI is a newly established council‑controlled organisation with a bold purpose: to deliver safe, reliable, and sustainable water services for our communities. As we build this organisation from the ground up, our people are at the centre of everything we do, and we’re committed to ensuring they go home safe and well every day.

We’re looking for an experienced and forward‑thinking Health, Safety and Quality Lead to help shape the foundations of our safety culture during this exciting formative stage. This is a rare opportunity to influence how a new organisation thinks, works, and grows, and to embed best‑practice health, safety, wellbeing, and quality standards right from the start.

In this pivotal role, you’ll lead the implementation of health, safety, wellbeing, and quality obligations across IAWAI, ensuring these practices are woven into daily operations and consistently meet compliance and industry best practice. You’ll work closely with the HCC Corporate Health and Safety team to ensure our operational approach aligns with organisational strategies, frameworks, and expectations.

As a senior leader, you’ll play a key role in shaping attitudes, behaviours, and decision‑making across the organisation. You’ll champion a proactive, learning‑focused safety culture, guide leaders through change, and help build a resilient, people‑centred organisation capable of delivering essential services in a rapidly evolving environment.

This is more than a job - it’s a chance to leave a legacy. If you’re energised by the idea of building something new, influencing culture from day one, and making a meaningful impact on the wellbeing of our people and communities, we’d love to hear from you.

Oo puumanawa me oo wheako | Your skills and experience 

• Proven leadership capability, with the ability to articulate organisational vision and lead people through change, embedding health and safety strategy into operational practice.
• Relevant tertiary qualification in Health and Safety (NCEA Level 6 or equivalent).
• Minimum of 7+ years' experience in health and safety management systems, frameworks, and practices.
• In-depth knowledge of the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015 and supporting regulations, with the ability to interpret and apply legislation in the context of organisational policy and procedures.
• Strategic and independent operator, able to anticipate organisational requirements, prioritise effectively, and manage workload in complex and dynamic environments.
• Resilient in ambiguity, with the ability to provide clarity and direction while embedding health and safety frameworks across diverse teams.
• Advanced communication and presentation skills, enabling clear articulation of policy, reporting of outcomes, and effective engagement with stakeholders at all levels.
• Strong relationship management skills, with the ability to build trust, influence decisions, and foster collaboration across teams and external partners.

He aha te wariu o te utu kaimahi? | What’s the salary? 

Circa $100k dependent on skills and experience.

Me Tono Inaaianei!: Apply Now! 

• View the position description.
• Click apply
• ​Complete your application.

If you wish to include a cover letter with your application, please combine this in the same file as your resume and upload as a PDF file. Alternatively, you can use the 'Write a message to the Hiring Team' text box.

Applications close on the: 28/04/2026

Note: We will be shortlisting as we receive applications.

All candidates will be notified of the outcome on their application via email. Short-listed candidates will be required to complete an interview process, reference checks and a criminal check. This role is Safety Sensitive so a pre-employment medical including drug and alcohol test will be required. View more information about these checks and our commitment to the Privacy act here by clicking here

It is important to us that we support you throughout our selection process (interview and assessments). If you have any access needs during this process, let us know in advance so we can make sure these are met.

As a council, we believe in creating a welcoming environment where everyone feels valued and belongs. We value inclusiveness (Kotahitanga) – we respect and value the unique perspectives, experiences, and talents that everyone brings. 

This role is being sourced directly. If/where Hamilton City Council requires the support of a recruitment agency, we will seek this support from our panel of selected agencies. Hamilton City Council will not be responsible for, and will not pay, any commissions, fees or other payments related to unsolicited contact.

All candidates will be notified of the outcome on their application via email. Short-listed candidates will be required to complete an interview process, reference checks and a criminal check. Further background checking will be required when relevant to the role. View more information about these checks, our commitment to the Privacy act and details for international applicants by clicking hereIt is important to us that we support you throughout our selection process (interview and assessments). If you have any access needs during this process, let us know in advance so we can make sure these are met