Southern Waters Programme Director Fiona Smith has begun her role by spending time meeting staff and visiting key water assets across Gore and Clutha districts.

Ms Smith said the visits were an important first step in shaping a transition programme that is practical, locally informed, and grounded in real operational experience.

“Seeing the systems first-hand and hearing directly from the people who operate them is essential.

“You can learn a lot from reports, but you gain a much deeper understanding by being on site and talking with the teams who manage these assets every day.”

Ms Smith is in her third week in the job. She is currently based in Central Otago and will next visit key assets across that District as part of her induction into the Southern Waters area.

One of the highlights of her visits so far has been time spent with council management and operational staff.

“The depth of knowledge held by operational teams is impressive.

“Their understanding of asset condition and operational constraints – often built up over many years - provides insights you can’t get from reports alone. It’s the backbone of safe and reliable service delivery.”

Reflecting on the current delivery of water services across the Southern Waters councils, Ms Smith said she was encouraged by what she had seen.

“There is a strong level of commitment and capability across councils,” she said.

“Teams are clearly focused on delivering safe, reliable services, often in challenging environments. That provides a solid foundation to build on as we move through the transition.”

Ms Smith has relocated from Sydney, where she was Executive Manager, Strategy and Performance at WaterNSW, one of Australia's largest water utilities. She was drawn to the role by the significance of the work and the opportunity it offers.

She described the establishment of Southern Waters as a once-in-a-generation opportunity to build a water services organisation fit for the future.

“This work matters. It’s about protecting public health, the environment, and long-term community wellbeing.

“The challenge is to build something that strengthens resilience while respecting the local knowledge that already exists.”

Looking ahead, Ms Smith acknowledged the challenges and opportunities involved in bringing multiple councils together under a joint water services entity.

“It will be critical to carefully manage change. We need to ensure continuity of safe, reliable services while aligning different systems, assets, and ways of working.

At the same time, there were real opportunities, from stronger long-term planning and shared expertise to more strategic investment in infrastructure and staff development, she said.

Ms Smith’s first impressions of the South have been overwhelmingly positive.

“I’ve been very warmly welcomed.

“The landscapes are incredible, but what really stands out is the pride people have in their local communities and the care they take in delivering essential services.”

Ms Smith was looking forward to ensuring that local pride is something Southern Waters honours and builds upon.