Waikato Waters has appointed Dr Marcos Pelenur as its chief executive.
Pelenur will join the organisation in October 2026.
The appointment comes as Waikato Waters prepares to begin operations on 1 July, when Waitomo, South Waikato and Waipā district councils transition their water and wastewater services.
Waikato Waters Board Chair Elena Trout said Pelenur brings strategic leadership, relationship-building capability and a commitment to public service.
“Dr Pelenur has extensive leadership experience in a highly-regulated environment, and is known for building strong teams and enduring relationships with key stakeholders,” Trout said.
Who is Dr Marcos Pelenur?
Pelenur is currently the chief executive of the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority.
He holds a PhD and a Master’s degree in engineering for sustainable development from the University of Cambridge.
Trout said his background would support Waikato Waters as the organisation builds its operating culture and customer focus.
“He’s passionate about building a strong customer-centric culture focused on delivering reliable, sustainable and affordable water services for our communities.”
The appointment places an experienced public-sector leader at the head of a new organisation entering a significant period of delivery and transition.
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What happens before October?
Interim Chief Executive Neil Brennan will continue in the role until Pelenur joins Waikato Waters.
Brennan has led the organisation through its establishment phase.
Trout said Brennan will remain connected to the organisation after the transition of the chief executive.
“Neil has done an outstanding job leading the organisation through the establishment phase. We’re thrilled that he’s agreed to stay on in an advisory role until July 2027, when the final councils will transfer their water and wastewater services to us.”
That arrangement provides Waikato Waters with continuity as it begins operations and prepares for future Council service transfers.
Why does the appointment matter?
Waikato Waters is moving from establishment to service delivery.
From 1 July, the organisation will begin operating water and wastewater services transferred by Waitomo, South Waikato and Waipā district councils.
The appointment of a permanent chief executive provides leadership certainty before the next phase of the transition.
It also signals Waikato Waters’ focus on reliability, affordability and customer service as the organisation takes on responsibility for essential water services.
The staged transition means the organisation will need to manage operational handover, customer expectations and relationships with participating councils.
Pelenur’s appointment gives Waikato Waters a confirmed chief executive before the final councils transfer their water and wastewater services in July 2027.
