Selwyn District Council is pleased to announce the appointment of three directors to the Selwyn Water Limited board, marking a significant milestone in the organisation’s development as it prepares to take ownership of water assets from the Council later this year.

The new directors bring a wealth of experience across governance, infrastructure, and public sector leadership. They will play a key role in guiding Selwyn Water’s strategic direction and local delivery while ensuring strong oversight for the future of our district.

Selwyn Water Limited, a council-controlled organisation, was established to manage the delivery of drinking and wastewater services in the Waikirikiri Selwyn district, with a focus on sustainability, resilience, and community outcomes. The board appointments reflect the organisation’s commitment to strong leadership and transparent governance.

The three board appointments are:

Dame Karen Poutasi

Image of Dame Karen Poutasi

Dame Karen Poutasi is an independent director who Chairs Kāpuhipuhi Wellington Uni-Professional and is on the Board of RHCNZ Medical Imaging Group and The Electoral Oversight Panel of the Co-Operative Bank Ltd (NZ). Her previous governance roles include Board Member and Chair of Health New Zealand, Chair of Taumata Arowai/The Water Services Authority and Commissioner of the Waikato District Health Board.

Dame Karen was a member of the three-person 2017 Government Inquiry into Havelock North Drinking Water.

Her executive positions have included Chief Executive of NZQA and Director General of Health. She believes strongly in the importance of water infrastructure for the health and wellbeing of communities.

Linda Falwasser

Image of Linda Falwasser

Linda Falwasser (Waikato-Tainui, Ngāti Awa, Ngāti Rangitihi) has extensive governance and executive experience across the public and private sectors. She is widely recognised for her commercial and economic development expertise and her ability to forge partnerships that deliver transformational outcomes.

As the inaugural CEO of the Tāwhaki Joint Venture, Linda secured capital and operational funding, negotiated land acquisitions, led regulatory approvals, and delivered a complex infrastructure programme, culminating in the Tāwhaki National Aerospace Centre at Kaitorete.

Linda is a Director of Kohae Limited and Te Mana o Ngāti Rangitihi Limited, and brings a values-led commitment to public health, environmental protection, and serving mana whenua and the wider community.

John Brockies

image of John Brockles

John Brockies is an experienced independent director with a professional background of CEO roles in large New Zealand organisations in the public and private sectors.

John is the former CEO of Siemens Energy Services Ltd, North Shore City, and RFA Ltd, and previously served as Executive Director of Transfield New Zealand, as well as COO at United Networks and Watercare. He also has experience with significant projects, including the Britomart transport terminal, Auckland Art Gallery extension, the Viaduct Events Centre and a wide range of infrastructure, including the construction of regional fibre-optic networks and high voltage electrical assets.

The Council’s Chief Executive Sharon Mason welcomed the appointments.

“The formation of the Selwyn Water Limited board is a critical step in ensuring our district’s water services are managed with expertise and accountability. These directors bring deep knowledge and a shared commitment to serving the needs of our communities. We look forward to working closely with the board as Selwyn Water Limited takes on this important role.”

Selwyn Water Limited chair Murray Strong said the appointments reinforce Selwyn Water’s commitment to strong governance and to achieving outcomes aligned with the district’s priorities and values.

“Our new directors bring a strong mix of governance expertise, strategic insight, and sector experience. In the context of ongoing water reform, these appointments reflect our commitment to skill-based governance to help navigate this transition effectively and to build a best-in-class organisation. I look forward to working with them to deliver services that support Selwyn now and for generations to come.”

The directors will begin their governance duties immediately, supporting the organisation through the upcoming asset transfer and beyond.

Further recruitment will commence early in the new year with the new Council.

Last modified: 18 Nov 2025 9:09am