Executive Leadership Team

Chief Executive

Michael Brewster

Michael Brewster is a senior infrastructure leader with extensive experience across Tasmania’s energy and water sectors and New Zealand’s water reform programme. He served as the inaugural Chief Executive Officer of TasWater, guiding the organisation through major transformation and strengthening its focus on safety, customer service, and environmental outcomes.

In 2023, Michael joined New Zealand’s Department of Internal Affairs as Chief Executive of the proposed South Island water services organisation ‘Entity D.’ Working with Ngāi Tahu, councils, and DIA teams, he helped shape the design and establishment plans for the new entity, gaining valuable insights into the opportunities and complexities of water sector reform in New Zealand.

Michael has held a range of senior executive roles in the electricity and engineering consulting sectors, including leading Tasmania’s Electricity Reform Business Transition Group. He has also contributed to public sector governance as a State Planning Commissioner and lectured in project management. He is a past Fellow of the Institution of Engineers, a Chartered Engineer (Electrical), and former President of Engineers Australia, Tasmania Division.

Chief Operating Officer

Charles Barker

Charles is responsible for the operational delivery of a reliable and efficient three waters network that meets the needs of our client councils and stakeholders. This includes maintenance and development of water infrastructure, ensuring high-quality service delivery, asset resilience, and delivery of short to medium term goals that align with long-term strategic goals.

Charles has over 25 years' experience in regulation and operations. 

Qualifications

• Bachelor of Arts (Hons), Political Science (Canterbury)

• Masters in Strategy (Victoria University)

Chief Strategy and Planning Officer

Stephen McArthur

Stephen is responsible for the development and implementation of the regional three waters strategy, policy and plans to ensure the sustainable management and growth of water infrastructure. The Strategy and Planning group focus on understanding future demand and the level of investment required to achieve the regional priorities. He also oversees consenting under the Resource Management Act, engineering and modelling advisory services.

Stephen is a senior executive with over 40 years experience within the public sector as a senior executive.  He has worked in local government, central government, NGOs and board governance.  He is currently a Board member for Te Nukuao Wellington Zoo.

Chief Risk and Compliance Officer (Acting)

Erin Ganley

Erin is responsible for providing assurance that Wellington Water's operation and maintenance of the three waters networks is compliant with legislation and regulatory standards. Her team covers legal, risk, assurance, compliance and further supports the company by providing support in emergency management and business continuity. Erin’s group is unique in the fact that it works across the company to provide assurance to the Chief Executive and Board of Directors.

Erin has over 20 years' experience in the water industry across risk, assurance, compliance, asset management and operations. Prior to joining Wellington Water in September 2014, Erin worked in roles within the local government and the consultancy sector.

Qualifications

• Bachelor of Engineering (Hons) (Canterbury)
• Certificate in Civil Engineering (Wintec Waikato)