Our structure and governance
Selwyn Water does not operate alone. Our work is guided and checked through a combination of independent governance, and regulatory oversight. Together, these arrangements help ensure water services are well managed and decisions are made in the public interest.
Selwyn Water operates within the legal framework of the Local Government (Water Services) Act 2025.
Our Shareholder
Selwyn Water is owned by Selwyn District Council on behalf of the community. This means water services remain publicly owned and locally accountable.
Under national water services legislation, drinking water and wastewater assets cannot be sold or privatised. Selwyn Water is not set up to make profits for our shareholder. Any profits are reinvested back into water services for the benefit of the community we serve, helping maintain and improve infrastructure, meet regulatory requirements, and support long term affordability.
Selwyn District Council sets expectations for Selwyn Water’s performance through a Statement of Expectations. This helps ensure we:
- Focus on what matters most to the community
- Manage money responsibly
- Plan for the long term
- Operate openly and transparently
Independent Board of Directors
Selwyn Water is governed by an independent Board of Directors with expertise in governance, infrastructure, and public sector leadership. As a council‑controlled organisation, we are accountable to Selwyn District Council, providing clear oversight and connection to the community.
Our directors bring a range of skills and experience to guide Selwyn Water’s strategic direction and ensure strong stewardship of drinking water and wastewater services. Together, the Board supports transparent decision‑making and long‑term planning for the district.
Murray Strong, Chair
Murray was originally appointed Establishment Chair to lead the set‑up of Selwyn’s water services arrangements under the Government’s Local Water Done Well reforms.
He brings more than 20 years of governance and senior leadership experience across the public and private sectors, with strong expertise in infrastructure delivery, organisational establishment, and complex system change. His governance roles have included major projects such as Te Pae Christchurch Convention Centre and the Christchurch Bus Interchange, as well as serving as a Director of the National Infrastructure Board and Chair of the New Zealand Institute of Skills and Technology.
Murray has extensive experience working with iwi and mana whenua, councils, and central government. His approach is grounded in transparency, long‑term thinking, and delivering resilient services that support growing communities.
Bruce Gemmell, Director
Bruce is a chartered accountant and former senior partner at EY, Bruce now works as a professional director. He brings extensive governance and financial oversight experience across a range of sectors, with board roles including Highlanders Rugby, Orion NZ Limited, Central Plains Water Limited, Lincoln Agritech Limited, and Chancellor of Lincoln University.
Bruce’s background in audit, risk management, and strategic governance supports Selwyn Water's ongoing focus on strong oversight, accountability, and robust governance practices.
Shaun Clarke, Director
Shaun brings extensive local government, infrastructure and water sector experience, including serving as Chief Executive of Far North District Council and current ministerial appointments focused on water services reform.
He also has significant governance, risk management and strategic leadership experience gained through senior roles in local government, higher education and the New Zealand Defence Force.
Jen Crawford, Director
Jen is a Selwyn-based professional director with extensive governance experience across infrastructure, utilities, local government and water-related organisations.
Her background includes senior leadership roles in resource management and environmental law, along with governance positions at Orion, ChristchurchNZ and a number of major infrastructure organisations.
Allan Dawson, Director
Allan is an experienced independent director and chair with expertise in regulated infrastructure sectors, governance and strategic leadership.
A Chartered Accountant, he has held senior governance and executive roles in New Zealand, Australia and Singapore, including Deputy Chair of the Electricity Authority.