Kaikōura Hurunui Water Services Appoints CEO
Seeking stability, strong leadership and a people-focus, the Board of the newly established Kaikōura Hurunui Water Services Ltd (KHWS) has appointed Benjamin Day to the Chief Executive Officer role.
Bringing close to 20 years of senior leadership experience across local government and the infrastructure and services sector, Ben has most recently been working alongside Kaikōura District Council as Service Delivery Manager, responsible for Three Waters, roading, parks, solid waste and community facilities. During this time, he has led business-as-usual delivery while supporting the transition of water services into the new Water Services Council Controlled Organisation (WSCCO).
During a robust appointment process aided by Sheffield Recruitment, the KHWS board was firmly focused on the leadership capabilities required to successfully establish the WSCCO ahead of the 1 July 2026 transfer date.
KHWS Chair Karl Smith said, “what stood out to the appointment panel was Benjamin’s ability to translate strategy into disciplined execution, while also recognising the importance of building a unified organisation across both Kaikōura and Hurunui.”
Ben’s career spans Senior Executive roles in both municipal and commercial environments, including Deputy Chief Executive at Thames-Coromandel District Council and General Manager Operations at Smart Environmental. His experience covers large-scale service delivery, contract and asset management, digital and operational transformation, health and safety and leading change in complex, highly regulated environments.
A key consideration for the KHWS Board in Ben’s appointment was to ensure the strong capability which exists within both councils’ water services teams would be recognised, respected and fully utilised within the new organisation.
Karl Smith added, “The focus now is not on Kaikōura systems or Hurunui systems, it is on building a single high-performing organisation that draws on the strengths of both.
“Communities want confidence that water services are being managed well, investment decisions are disciplined, and the organisation remains focused on delivery.”
Ben’s last day with Kaikōura District Council will be Friday 27 May, with an expected start date of Tuesday 2 June 2026 in the new role.
