Competency Framework

Upskill & Training

Building a Framework for Water Industry Competence 

Water New Zealand is developing a competency framework for use by the water industry.

A workforce with the right skills and capabilities is key to developing an effective, efficient, accountable and resilient three waters sector in New Zealand. The Water New Zealand Competency Framework describes what people should be able to do and what they need to know to competently undertake their work.


The competency framework is a work in progress and should be viewed as the first step in a journey the water sector in New Zealand is taking to upskill a fit-for-purpose workforce. The framework is being developed on a role-by-role basis. The framework is intended to help the water industry to identify the knowledge and skills required by their workforce, to help assess levels of staff training that may be required and to develop training programmes.

The water industry can use this framework in any way that is beneficial, including:

  • assessing levels of staff training,
  • developing training programmes,
  • determining the knowledge and skills required by a workforce, or
  • other matters related to staff competence.

View the Water New Zealand Competency Framework documents below. 

Water New Zealand Competency Framework Overview
Water New Zealand Competency Framework Drinking Water Operator



Water New Zealand Competency Framework Wastewater Treatment Operator
Water New Zealand Competency Framework Drinking Water Distribution Operator

Water New Zealand Competency Framework Wastewater Network Operator

The Water New Zealand Competency Framework is in the development stage and we are interested in your feedback as we develop it further. If you have any questions, queries or comments please contact Mumtaz Parker at Water New Zealand | E:  training@waternz.org.nz

The Competency Framework review panel consists of: 

  • Rachel Langdon, Design Phase Limited
  • Robert Blakemore, Wellington Water
  • Priyan Perera, Watercare
  • Sarah Lowndes, Downer
  • Ian Couling, WSP
  • Richard Kruse, Downer
  • Jim Graham, Taumata Arowai (Water Services Regulator)
  • Hugh Blake-Manson, Waugh Infrastructure Management Ltd
  • Mumtaz Parker, Water New Zealand  

Acknowledging the following people for their feedback:

  • Bruce Nesbitt
  • Scott Pearson
  • Chris Kinley
  • Sean McHenry
  • Nick Hewer-Hewitt
  • Noah Hensley
  • Darrell Tonge