Water Unit Directors Appointed

The new external directors for Wellington Water Management, the new joint water services management unit to be established to run Wellington's and Hutt City's water services, bring a wealth of experience to the board, said Hutt City Mayor John Terris.

A Joint Appointments Subcommittee unanimously recommended the appointment of Bryan Jackson and Keith Sutton to sit on the unit's Board of Directors, alongside two Councillors each from Wellington and Hutt City Councils.

"Bryan Jackson and Keith Sutton have considerable expertise in governance and business and, importantly, are also very familiar with the workings of local government organisations."

Hutt City Council representatives on the Board will be Councillors Ray Wallace and John Austad, with Councillors Alick Shaw and David Zwartz representing Wellington City Council.

The new unit will mean savings for both councils of $4.175 million after five years and $1.6 million each year after that.

"It's a great opportunity to combine resources for the benefit of our ratepayers," says Mayor Terris.

The two Councils will continue to own water services assets, control the delivery of services and set policies and charges.

The Councils will also continue to be the first point of contact for customers with queries about water services. Hutt City residents should continue to call 570 6666.

While Wellington Water Management will be established as a legal entity on 1 July, staff will continue to work for their Council until a Chief Executive is appointed and offices for the new unit are set up.

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