Queenstown Lakes Council appoints new water services chair

Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC) has appointed Dr Julian Elder as chair of the new water services council-controlled organisation (WSCCO), which will assume responsibility for the district’s water services from July 1, 2027. The appointment was approved by councillors in a public-excluded session at Thursday’s full council meeting.

Queenstown Lakes District mayor John Glover said the appointment panel was unanimous in its choice to lead the WSCCO board. “Julian’s depth of expertise in water and wastewater infrastructure, combined with a proven history of standing up a new entity, stood out from the start.”

Elder is a chartered member of the Institute of Directors, with more than 25 years’ executive and governance experience across critical infrastructure, regulated utilities, water and wastewater services, and large-scale transformation in both public and private sectors, in Aotearoa New Zealand and overseas.

As vice-president and Asia-Pacific water business manager for global engineering company CH2M Hill, Elder led water and wastewater businesses across seven countries, which included the delivery of major programmes such as Singapore’s NEWater and the Sydney Sewerfix Pumping Station Alliance.

He has directed numerous major water and hydro projects throughout the Asia-Pacific region. Closer to home, at Auckland’s Watercare Services, he oversaw a capital programme across both water supply and wastewater before navigating the Māngere Wastewater Treatment Plant upgrade through numerous stakeholder concerns. At the time, the upgrade was the largest environmental clean-up in Aotearoa New Zealand and was delivered significantly under the original budget.

“We’re delighted that Julian accepted our offer,” said Glover. “His passion for the environment, acknowledgement of our challenges, and experience and understanding of the importance of developing meaningful relationships with mana whenua were key influencers for me,” he said. “Julian has clearly done his homework and fully understands the importance of our waterways to our community.”

Elder said: “I’m excited by the opportunity to help establish a future-ready, financially sustainable water services organisation serving the community of one of Aotearoa’s most distinctive and fast-growing districts.

“I’ve been involved in water and hydro projects in Central Otago and the lower South Island. Throughout my career, I have been involved in delivering projects and services in complex environments, with multiple stakeholder aspirations and needs.

“This has given me valuable insights into the solutions and approaches capable of delivering high-quality, affordable services in your fast-growing, geographically constrained alpine environment.”

The process to appoint four additional directors from more than 70 applications is under way and is expected to be completed in time for Council approval at the next full council meeting on June 25, 2026.

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