Mohammad Rahman (34) began his position with the Clutha District Council in January, moving from Auckland to Balclutha with his wife Farhana and their two daughters, Aaleyah (3) and Inaaya (3 months).
''It's a new year, a new city, and a new job.''
Some of his friends were in similar water services roles at other councils so he had some idea of the job ahead of him, he said.
''The Clutha District Council is doing a great job so far. We have a limited budget and are so scattered as a district, we're actually doing quite well.''
He first visited Clutha in 2006 while on his honeymoon with his wife.
The couple toured Queenstown, Arrowtown, Wanaka, and Milford before taking the Southern Scenic Route through the Catlins to Invercargill.
People in Clutha were friendly and welcoming, he said.
Last month, his wife Farhana became a New Zealand citizen, an occasion warmly celebrated by council staff and councillors.
Mr Rahman received his citizenship in Auckland in May 2008.
Mr Rahman graduated from university in Bangladesh with a bachelor of science degree in civil engineering and worked as a consulting engineer in Dhaka. He worked in major construction.
He studied further at Auckland University, graduating with a masters of engineering degree in environment, specialising in wastewater treatment, and several years later with a masters of engineering studies in construction management.
Before his Clutha appointment, Mr Rahman was a development engineer at the Auckland City Council and, before the formation of the ''supercity'', was in that same role at the Waitakere City Council.
He has also worked for consultancy firm URS as water resources engineer and Harrison Grierson as an environmental engineer.
''I've seen first-hand both sides of water.''
Outside of work, he enjoys public speaking, particularly humorous and inspirational talks, and was a member of Toastmasters in Auckland. He also plays guitar and hopes to start his own band in Balclutha.
