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 

IAWAI is seeking a Policy Advisor - Governance and Risk to help shape and strengthen the organisation’s governance, policy, risk, and performance frameworks. You’ll play a key role in ensuring alignment between organisational strategy, Board priorities, shareholder expectations, and the wider political and regulatory environment, contributing to a governance system that is robust, transparent, and strategically grounded.

Reporting to the Executive Director - Governance & Government Relations, you’ll provide high‑quality policy advice, support enterprise risk management activities, and contribute to the development of governance frameworks and Board reporting. You’ll also oversee and quality‑assure governance‑related outputs, including LGOIMA coordination and external policy development, ensuring information is accurate, consistent, and delivered to a high standard.

Operating with a high level of independence, you’ll work across the organisation to strengthen governance and risk systems that are consistent, future‑focused, and fit for purpose. If you thrive in a role where strategic thinking, policy expertise, and organisational influence come together, this is an opportunity to make a meaningful impact at the heart of IAWAI’s governance function.

Oo puumanawa me oo wheako | Your skills and experience 

• Minimum 5 years’ experience in public policy, governance, risk, or regulatory advisory roles.
• Proven experience in risk management within medium to large organisations.
• Relevant tertiary qualification in public policy, law, governance, or related field.
• Ability to work independently, anticipate needs, and manage competing priorities.
• Advanced written and verbal communication skills, with strong political acumen.
• Proven ability to operate effectively in ambiguous and complex environments.
• Strong analytical and critical thinking skills with sound judgement.
• Experience working in regulated environments (preferred but not essential).
• CDEM qualification (preferred but not essential).
• Strong stakeholder engagement skills with the ability to influence and advise senior leaders.
• High attention to detail and commitment to quality governance outputs.
• Calm under pressure with demonstrated resilience in changing environments.
• Strong ethical judgement, discretion, and ability to manage confidential information.

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: 1 July 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. 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