A seasoned public sector leader has been appointed to lead Hamilton and Waikato’s new water services company, marking a major milestone in the region’s water reform journey.
Peter Winder will become the inaugural Chief Executive of IAWAI – Flowing Waters, the new entity delivering water, wastewater and stormwater services to nearly 300,000 people across Hamilton City and Waikato District.
Executive Chair Kevin Lavery said Peter brought a rare combination of continuity and capability to the role.
“Peter has been at the heart of this reform work for the past two years. His understanding of the challenges, opportunities and relationships involved is unmatched – and that makes him the ideal person to lead us forward as we move from establishment to delivery,” Lavery said.
Winder’s appointment marks a full-circle moment. In 2015, he played a key role in a joint water reform proposal between Hamilton, Waikato and Waipā councils, which highlighted the benefits of regional collaboration. A decade later, he will now lead the organisation bringing that vision to life.
“It’s an incredible privilege to lead IAWAI into its next chapter,” said Winder. “This is a rare and humbling opportunity to be involved with a project of this scale from the very first concepts to leading it in operation.
“Our region’s water infrastructure is fundamental to the wellbeing of our people, our communities and our awa. The heart of IAWAI isn’t pipes – it’s people. I know our waters staff take this responsibility seriously, and my job is to ensure the systems, processes and investment are there to support them.”
Winder brings extensive leadership experience from local and central government and the private sector. He is a former Chief Executive of Auckland Regional Council, Local Government New Zealand and Te Pūkenga. In 2022, he was appointed to the Three Waters National Transition Unit Board and has most recently served as Programme Director for Hamilton City Council’s Waters CCO development.
“I’m proud and honoured to continue working alongside our shareholding and neighbouring councils and Waikato-Tainui, our river iwi, and our government and infrastructure partners to maintain the momentum IAWAI needs to deliver for our people,” Winder said.
Winder will be working from Hamilton and begins his three-year term on 12 January. Remuneration for the role has been set at $395,000. There are no bonuses, incentive payments or at-risk elements of remuneration.
IAWAI was formed through the Government’s Local Water Done Well programme and will formally take over responsibility for drinking water and wastewater services from Hamilton City and Waikato District Councils on 1 July 2026. It will also manage stormwater services on their behalf.
