Chris O’Reilly has been appointed to lead the establishment of Hawke’s Bay’s new jointly owned water services organisation, marking another major milestone in the region’s water reform journey.

A seasoned Chief Executive and company director, Chris has more than 25 years of senior leadership experience across complex, regulated and asset intensive environments.

He has led major organisational setups, transformations and turnarounds, including founding and scaling a nationally recognised Software as a Service company.

Establishment Advisory Board Chair, Wendie Harvey, said the appointment was a key step in progressing the new organisation, which will deliver drinking water, wastewater and stormwater services to approximately 52,000 connections across Central Hawke’s Bay, Hastings and Napier.

“Chris brings strong executive and commercial leadership experience, along with deep capability in organisational establishment and a very good understanding of both local government and the public service environment.”

She said these skills would be critical as the programme moves from design into delivery and begins to align the many workstreams involved in setting up the new organisation.

“The task ahead is complex and long-term in nature, as we work collectively to secure sustainable investment, resilience, reliability and safety across water services for current and future generations.”

The Board acknowledged the substantial work already undertaken by the establishment programme and by staff across the three councils.

“Having a single point of leadership will make a material difference to coordination, prioritisation and momentum, and to achieving strong outcomes for the region.”

Chris said the opportunity to help shape a long-term, regional approach to water services attracted him to the role.

“This is about taking a genuinely long-term view and building an integrated approach to something that is fundamental to our communities, our environment and our economy.”

He said he looks forward to working with shareholding councils and the community.

Chris began his role on Monday, 5 January.

The separation of water services from councils’ other services is required under the Government’s Local Water Done Well programme. Hawke’s Bay’s organisation will formally take over responsibility for the delivery of drinking water, wastewater and stormwater services for residents in Central Hawke’s Bay District, Hastings District and Napier City Councils on 1 July 2027.

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