Our Governance and Leadership

Tom Nickels was appointed as Chair in October 2025. 

Throughout Tom's career he has worked in New Zealand, Australia and Asia including roles in engineering, sales and marketing. General Management, Chief Executive and Managing Director. His experience includes independent Director and Chair capacities, and he is a Chartered Member of the NZIOD. 

With engineering and business qualifications, his professional contribution has spanned manufacturing, processing, transport, energy, waste and environmental services, and overarching all these roles has been an unwavering commitment to safety, sustainability, operational efficiency and the customer.

Alison Posa was appointed as a Director in October 2023.

Alison is an internationally experienced CFO and non-executive director in multinational environments, including FMCG, forestry, and pulp and paper. She has operated in senior positions in a number of geographies, including roles as Director of Finance at Mondelēz International and Finance Director (CFO) – Australia and NZ for the Kraft Foods Group. Alison brings a wealth of expertise in finance, strategy, risk management and governing businesses. 

Bill Bayfield was appointed as a Director in October 2023.

Bill has an in-depth knowledge of the water industry and environmental regulation. He is an extremely experienced Chief Executive with an extensive understanding of both central and local government, including as the inaugural CEO in establishing and leading Taumata Arowai, the new water services regulator for Aotearoa New Zealand, from 2020 – 2023. Previously, Bill was the Chief Executive of the Bay of Plenty Regional Council from 2006 – 2011, before leading Environment Canterbury (ECan) through the earthquake response and recovery as its Chief Executive from 2011 – 2020. 

Elena Trout was appointed as a Director on 1 January 2022.

Elena holds a Master of Civil Engineering degree from Canterbury University and brings to the Board extensive experience as a company director and professional civil engineer who has held a number of leadership positions in the transport, infrastructure and energy sectors over the past 30 years.

Elena is an independent director or chair of several boards. Elena is a fellow of the Institute of Directors and a past president and distinguished fellow of Engineering NZ

Jackie Colliar was appointed as a Director in October 2023.

Jackie has over 20 years’ experience working with and for communities, local authorities, marae and iwi authorities, and the private sector, in both governance roles as well as in technical engineering and project leadership roles. Her engineering career includes environmental engineering consultancy,  wastewater researcher and infrastructure strategist. She currently holds the role of Strategic Waters Infrastructure – Unit Manager at Hamilton City Council. Jackie brings significant experience in three-waters infrastructure, strategic planning, natural resources management, and climate change adaptation. 

Hilary is a director and senior technology executive with deep expertise in AI, cybersecurity, and enterprise risk. She is a CTO and Technology Strategist at Microsoft, she serves also on the board of MainPower and advises organisations on AI governance and digital transformation. Previously she was on the boards of Regenerate Christchurch and the Christchurch City Council’s Audit and Risk Management Committee.

Her career includes leading cyber security for the London 2012 Olympics, working with Mi5 the UK’s security agency, and serving in the Royal New Zealand Air Force. She is the author of a book on security culture and a frequent speaker on emerging technology, risk and leadership.