Kate Simmonds has been named Chief Executive of Northland Waters. The new entity is being set up by the district councils of Northland, at the northern tip of New Zealand’s North Island, to bring a regionally coordinated approach to water services. Simmonds will start the role on 5 October 2026.
Simmonds has more than 20 years of experience in water and infrastructure projects across New Zealand and Australia, and holds international recognition through industry awards and leadership positions in the global water sector. She currently leads Australia and New Zealand operations for Jacobs’ water business.
Although her career has taken her abroad, Simmonds grew up in Northland and now lives in Kerikeri, giving her, according to the organisation, a strong tie to the communities Northland Waters will serve.
Board Chair Murray Bain said Simmonds had a track record of leading organisations through growth and change. “Kate brings an impressive combination of strategic leadership, operational expertise and sector knowledge. She has built a highly respected career delivering outcomes for communities, clients and stakeholders across New Zealand and Australia, and we are delighted to welcome her as Chief Executive of Northland Waters,” said Bain.
Northland Waters will take on drinking water and wastewater services for the Te Tai Tokerau region, as Northland is known in Māori, from July 2027, overseeing close to NZD 1.4 billion (approximately USD 808 million) in public water assets. Bain noted that Simmonds’ experience running large water operations makes her well suited to lead an organisation of that scale.
For Simmonds, the appointment carries personal significance. “Northland has always felt like home, and I am incredibly excited about the opportunity to lead an organisation that will play such an important role in the future wellbeing of our communities,” said Simmonds. She added that the new organisation offers a chance to take “a long-term, region-wide approach to water services, helping ensure our communities have safe, reliable and sustainable infrastructure to support future generations.”
