MCERT, Senior Responsible Owner

Ministry for Cities, Environment, Regions and Transport (MCERT)

Senior Responsible Owner

Waitematā Harbour Crossing: Detailed Business Case phase

The opportunity

Lead the Crown's decision on Auckland's biggest transport investment in a generation.

In August 2026, Cabinet agreed that the next phase of the additional Waitematā Harbour crossing be independently led, with Cabinet holding final decision rights. NZTA has completed an Investment Case for bridge and tunnel options. This phase develops the commercial, financial and management case, tests further options, and builds the support a decision of this scale needs.

The SRO will give Ministers a recommendation on the preferred option, delivery model and funding pathway. Appointed by and accountable to the MCERT Chief Executive, the SRO reports on the project to the Ministers of Finance, Transport, Infrastructure and Auckland.

What you'll lead

This is a sponsor role, not a project management role. The SRO leads the MCERT project team, headed by a Project Director who leads delivery of the business case. Outwardly, the SRO leads with Ministers, Auckland Council, mana whenua, the market and the public. Supported by a cross-agency Steering Group and an Independent Assurance Panel, you will:

•     confirm the problems the crossing must solve

•     set affordability thresholds and the trade-offs they imply

•     lead a rigorous, transparent assessment of the options.

What you'll bring

You'll have led a major infrastructure programme through the pre-commitment phase, and can explain the trade-offs between cost, resilience, growth and who pays simply and credibly in public. You'll also bring:

• Deep experience of business case methodology and the funding and financing of large infrastructure

• A track record of building support behind a contested investment decision, and the standing to earn credibility with Ministers, the Mayor and the Auckland public

• The independence to run an assessment that withstands public scrutiny, and to hold the problem definition against proponents of particular solutions

• The ability to build a high-performing team quickly from secondees and contractors, and confidence giving free and frank advice to Ministers.

How to apply

Kerridge & Partners is assisting with this appointment. To express interest, contact Nicole See at nicole.see@kerridgepartners.com or on +64 9 969 9900. Applications close at 5pm on Wednesday, 22 October 2026.