Appointment to the Board of Watercare Services Limited

Auckland Council has appointed Derrick Adams to the Board of Watercare Services Limited (Watercare).

Cr Richard Hills chaired the selection panel and welcomes Derrick to the Board. 

“Derrick has an exceptional depth of understanding of infrastructure build and the management of these vital assets. His expertise will be a significant benefit to the Watercare Board as it delivers on its $15.2 billion capital programme over the next 10 years.” 

The appointment was confirmed by the Appointments and Performance Review committee

at its meeting on 30 July 2026. The committee is responsible for appointments to the boards of council-controlled organisations, in accordance with the council’s Appointment and Remuneration Policy for Board Members and the Local Government Act. 

About Derrick Adams BE, FEngNZ, MInstD
Derrick Adams is a highly-respected infrastructure leader and company director, with more than 40 years’ experience overseeing major infrastructure development across New Zealand.

Derrick brings a unique combination of water utility, infrastructure, commercial, and governance expertise. 

From 2007, Derrick served as Chief Executive of HEB Construction, leading one of New Zealand’s largest infrastructure contractors. During this time, he provided governance of major capital works programmes, public-private partnerships, and alliance-based delivery models. This included nationally significant infrastructure projects such as the Kaikoura Earthquake Recovery Alliance, Te Ahu a Turanga Alliance, and multiple stages of the Waikato Expressway.

A Fellow of Engineering New Zealand, Derrick is recognised for his strategic leadership, commercial acumen, stakeholder engagement, iwi partnerships, and commitment to health, safety, environmental performance, and sustainable outcomes. He is a former President of Engineering New Zealand and a member of the New Zealand Institute of Directors.

His current roles include Chairman of Vinci Construction NZ, Chairman of HEB Construction, and Chairman of Cassidy Construction.