A highly qualified team of five has been appointed to provide independent assurance and professional advice to elected members and operational teams for the establishment of Northland’s new water organisation.

The Establishment Advisory Group (EAG) will serve as an interim advisory until the council-controlled organisation (CCO) is incorporated in July 2026. A permanent board of directors will then be confirmed to oversee final preparations for ‘go-live’ in July 2027 and ongoing operations.

Together, members bring a wealth of experience in leadership, governance, water infrastructure, law and finance, along with comprehensive knowledge of local government.

EAG members include:

• Murray Bain – Chair at Electra Ltd, member of Water Services Delivery Plans Review Panel for the Department of Internal Affairs (DIA), former Chair for the Northland and Auckland Water Services Entity Establishment Board.
• Marlon Bridge – Chief Technical Advisor on Government’s Local Water Done Well reforms, former Deputy Chief Executive (CE) at Watercare and Chief Financial Officer (CFO) at Manukau Water Ltd, and CFO at Watercare.
• Steve Couper – Chief Digital Officer, Asia Pacific, New Zealand and Australia at Mott Macdonald, former President and board member at Water New Zealand, and fellow of Engineering New Zealand.
• David Rankin - Former CE at Eke Panuku Development Auckland and CE at Auckland City Council.
• Michael Sage - Specialist water and infrastructure lawyer, Chair of New Plymouth District Council’s Water Services CCO, member of Gisborne District Council’s Water Services Committee, former Simpson Grierson Partner advising Watercare, Metrowater, Manukau Water and councils nationwide.

The EAG held its first meeting on Friday, 16 January 2026 with the group voting in Chair, Murray Bain.

Mr Bain said Northland’s three district councils were on a good path towards a solution that will lift Northland’s ability to deliver great drinking water and wastewater services for everyone in the region.

“We’re committed to helping Northland’s councils lay strong foundations for the new CCO, ensuring fair pricing and minimal disruption while delivering great drinking water and wastewater services.”

Mayor of Whangārei and Chair of the CCO’s Elected Members Steering Group, Ken Couper, said the calibre of applicants for the EAG was extremely high and sincerely appreciated the interest of everyone who applied.

He said the group’s advice will be crucial in shaping decisions for the new water entity.

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