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Kate Simmonds has been appointed chief executive of Northland Waters and will oversee the establishment and development of the region’s new water services organisation.
Simmonds has more than 20 years’ experience in the water and infrastructure sector, working on major projects across New Zealand and Australia and holding leadership roles within the global water industry.
Northland’s district councils are establishing Northland Waters to bring drinking water and wastewater services under a coordinated regional model.
The organisation is expected to begin operating in July 2027, providing services to more than 120,000 customers across Te Tai Tokerau and taking responsibility for around $1.4 billion of publicly owned water infrastructure.
Northland Waters board chair Murray Bain said Simmonds’ experience leading large-scale water operations made her well suited to head the new organisation.
“Northland Waters will be responsible for infrastructure and services that are essential to the health, wellbeing and prosperity of our region. Kate’s proven leadership of large-scale water operations across New Zealand and Australia means she is exceptionally well placed to lead an organisation of this scale and importance.”
Born and raised in Northland and now based in Kerikeri, Simmonds will take up the role on October 5, bringing extensive international experience and strong ties to the region.
She currently holds a senior leadership role with a global professional services organisation, leading its water operations across Australia and New Zealand.
Bain said Simmonds brought extensive water sector knowledge, strong ties to Northland and experience leading organisations through periods of growth and change.
“Kate brings an impressive combination of strategic leadership, operational expertise and sector knowledge. She has built a highly respected career delivering outcomes for communities, clients and stakeholders across New Zealand and Australia, and we are delighted to welcome her as chief executive of Northland Waters,” he said.
Commenting on her appointment, Simmonds said the role was particularly meaningful given her connection to Northland and the opportunity to shape the region’s future water services.
“Northland has always felt like home, and I am incredibly excited about the opportunity to lead an organisation that will play such an important role in the future wellbeing of our communities,” she said.
“Northland Waters presents a unique opportunity to take a long-term, region-wide approach to water services, helping ensure our communities have safe, reliable and sustainable infrastructure to support future generations.”
