Maseina Koneferenisi appointed CEO of Queenstown Lakes District water services

Maseina Koneferenisi, former Programme Director of the Water Services Council‑Controlled Organisation, has been appointed chief executive of QLDC 3Waters Ltd, the newly established water‑services entity for Queenstown Lakes District in New Zealand. The appointment follows a national recruitment drive and was welcomed by WSCCO board chair Dr Julian Elder, who highlighted Koneferenisi’s extensive experience across local government and private‑sector water services.

Koneferenisi brings more than three decades of senior leadership, including roles as chief executive of a council‑controlled trading organisation and general manager of infrastructure at Masterton District Council. She will assume the role on 1 July 2027, with the immediate priority of building a high‑performing, regulated provider that meets upcoming regulatory requirements and delivers reliable, sustainable water services for the community.

Mayor John Glover praised the board’s swift action, noting Koneferenisi’s drive to fulfill the organisation’s mission. Koneferenisi expressed honour at the appointment and commitment to delivering safe, reliable water services.

The new WSCCO aims to provide certainty for customers, partners and staff while establishing a strong, sustainable organisation under the national three‑waters reform framework.