New Zealand’s water sector is undergoing significant change. New delivery models, evolving regulation and heightened public expectations are reshaping how water services are governed and delivered.

In this environment, governance is not just an organisational issue - it is critical to protecting public health, environmental outcomes and the wellbeing of communities.

To support directors and decision makers navigating this shift, Simpson Grierson has partnered with Water New Zealand to produce the Directors’ Handbook for Water Governance: a practical, go-to resource for those responsible for overseeing water services.

Download the Handbook here.

A practical resource for complex responsibilities

The handbook is designed for:

• Directors of water organisations
• Councillors overseeing in-house service delivery
• Senior leaders responsible for governance and oversight.

It provides a clear, practical overview of governance responsibilities across drinking water, wastewater and stormwater services, reflecting the increasing complexity of the regulatory and operating environment. 

Why governance matters

Water services are critical infrastructure. Failures at a governance level can have immediate and far-reaching consequences, from public health impacts to environmental harm, regulatory breaches and loss of community trust. 

As Gillian Blythe, Water New Zealand’s Chief Executive notes: 

“Getting water governance right is not simply an organisational issue. The consequences of failure at a governance level are serious in terms impact public health, environmental outcomes, and the wellbeing of entire communities.
This handbook… is a great practical guide and reference point for new water organisation directors, and councillors overseeing in-house provision of water services in what is increasingly complex environment.
I really encourage directors to access this resource to help ensure they meet their responsibilities, and maximise the potential of their new organisations to deliver great outcomes for their communities.”

Built for the new water services framework

The handbook reflects the current legislative environment, including the Local Government (Water Services) Act 2025 and the Water Services Act 2021. 

It highlights the expectations placed on water service providers to deliver safe, resilient and financially sustainable services, operate transparently, and act in the long-term interests of communities. 

These reforms increase the importance of active, well-informed governance - particularly in overseeing risk, performance and long-term investment.

What the handbook covers

The handbook combines regulatory context with practical guidance.

Part one - Legislative environment

• Governance and delivery structures
  Regulatory obligations across water services
  Economic regulation and accountability
  Risks and consequences of failure

Part two - Directors’ toolkit

• Safety and quality oversight
  Asset stewardship and investment
  Culture and capability
  Regulatory relationships and accountability
  Board performance and continuous improvement

Supporting better decision-making

The focus is practical. Rather than technical detail, the handbook supports directors to:

• strengthen oversight of risk and compliance
• improve the quality of board decision-making
• ensure clear, consistent performance reporting
• build capability across governance and leadership teams.

A sector-facing collaboration

Simpson Grierson has worked closely with Water New Zealand to develop this guide, drawing on our experience advising local authorities and emerging water organisations across Aotearoa New Zealand. 

Our work spans governance design, service delivery models, regulatory compliance and funding arrangements, supporting clients to implement reform and deliver resilient, high-performing water services.