Napier council head leaving to steer new Hawke's Bay water entity

Napier City Council chief executive Louise Miller is leaving her role to become the inaugural head of the new Hawke's Bay water service, putting her at the helm of one of the region's biggest local-government changes in decades.

Water Hawke's Bay board chair Wendie Harvey said Miller's appointment as chief executive followed an extensive national and international recruitment process.

Water Hawke's Bay is the new jointly-owned water services organisation for Napier, Hastings and Central Hawke's Bay.

From July 1, 2027, the entity will take responsibility for delivering drinking water, wastewater and stormwater services managed by the three councils, bringing together their water services, infrastructure and specialist workforces into one regional organisation.

Harvey said Miller would bring strong strategic leadership, extensive experience in organisational change, sound judgment, and the ability to work constructively with boards, councils, staff, Mana Whenua and other stakeholders to the role.

Miller said the decision to resign from her council position came with mixed emotions.

"I wasn't looking to leave Napier City Council. I love this organisation and this city, but when this role came along, I couldn't walk past it."

The establishment of Water Hawke's Bay was a significant milestone for the region, Miller said.

"The decisions we make now about how we manage, invest in and care for our wai will reach well beyond us. Ultimately, it's about what we leave behind for our mokopuna.

"While I recognise there will be challenges ahead, I'm excited by what we can achieve by bringing together the expertise, experience and passion we have across Hawke's Bay. It's a huge responsibility, and one I feel incredibly privileged to take on," she said.

Delivering and maintaining water infrastructure would "cost more, regardless of how those services are structured", she said.

"A critical part of my job will be making sure we manage that transition carefully, get the best possible value from every dollar invested, and keep the impact on households front-of-mind."

She said leading Napier City Council has been one of the great privileges of her career and "I leave proud of what we have achieved".

She started at the council when it and the community were dealing with the immediate aftermath of Cyclone Gabrielle.

"The recovery brought enormous challenges for our community and for our staff, many of whom were dealing with the impacts of the cyclone in their own lives while continuing to turn up and serve Napier."

She said that time showed her what made Hawke's Bay special – the way people set aside boundaries, came together in difficult times, and worked for their communities.

"It has stayed with me and shaped my approach throughout my time at Council."

Napier Mayor Richard McGrath said Miller had made a significant contribution to Napier City Council and the city during her three and a half years as chief executive.

"Louise has led council through a period of considerable change and leaves behind a stronger organisation," McGrath said.

"She has brought enormous energy, drive and commitment to the role.

"She cares deeply about Napier and Hawke's Bay, about the people who work for council, and about making sure this organisation is in the best possible position for the future."

Miller leaves the council in mid-December.