Interim advisory in place for Northland water CCO establishment

Published on 19 January 2026

This is a joint media release from Whangarei, Kaipara and Far North district councils.

A highly qualified team of five has been appointed to provide independent assurance and professional advice to elected members and operational teams for the establishment of Northland’s new water organisation.

The Establishment Advisory Group (EAG) will serve as an interim advisory until the council-controlled organisation (CCO) is incorporated in July 2026. A permanent board of directors will then be confirmed to oversee final preparations for ‘go-live’ in July 2027 and ongoing operations.

Together, the members bring a wealth of experience in leadership, governance, water infrastructure, law and finance, along with comprehensive knowledge of local government.

The Northland water CCO’s Establishment Advisory Group. From left to right: David Rankin, Steve Couper, Murray Bain, Michael Sage and Marlon Bridge.

The EAG members include:

• David Rankin – Former Chief Executive at Eke Panuku Development Auckland and Chief Executive at Auckland City Council.
• Steve Couper – Chief Digital Officer, Asia Pacific, New Zealand and Australia at Mott MacDonald, former President and board member at Water New Zealand, and fellow of Engineering New Zealand.
• Murray Bain – Chair at Electra Ltd, member of Water Services Delivery Plans Review Panel for the Department of Internal Affairs (DIA), former Chair for the Northland and Auckland Water Services Entity Establishment Board.
• Michael Sage – Specialist water and infrastructure lawyer, Chair of New Plymouth District Council’s Water Services CCO, member of Gisborne District Council’s Water Services Committee, former Simpson Grierson Partner advising Watercare, Metrowater, Manukau Water and councils nationwide.
• Marlon Bridge – Chief Technical Adviser on Government’s Local Water Done Well reforms, former Deputy Chief Executive at Watercare and Chief Financial Officer at Manukau Water Ltd, and Chief Financial Officer at Watercare.

The EAG held its first meeting on Friday 16 January 2026 with the group voting in Chair Murray Bain.

Mr Bain said Northland’s three district councils were on a good path towards a solution that will lift Northland’s ability to deliver great drinking water and wastewater services for everyone in the region.

“We’re committed to helping Northland’s councils lay strong foundations for the new CCO, ensuring fair pricing and minimal disruption while delivering great drinking water and wastewater services.”

The Mayor of Whangārei and Chair of the CCO’s Elected Members Steering Group, Ken Couper, said the calibre of applicants for the EAG was extremely high and he sincerely appreciated the interest of everyone who applied.

He said the group’s advice will be crucial in shaping decisions for the new water entity.