The role has been vacant since the retirement of previous Chief Executive Jim Harland in 2022 due to ill health. The General Manager of Finance and Business Support Jeff Millward has been Acting Chief Executive since.

Mayor Dan Gordon says, “We are looking for a leader who is focused, diligent, strategic, has a proven track record, and understands the value of community connection”.

Waimakariri is a high-growth district, which emerged from the Canterbury earthquakes as one of the most popular residential destinations in the Canterbury region. Significant growth has occurred since and is forecast to continue.

The Council was awarded a second AA rating from the Local Government Excellence Programme independent reviewers CouncilMARK™ - it is one of two Councils out of 33 nationwide to achieve this honour. Standard and Poor’s recently confirmed the Council would maintain its AA/A-1+ credit rating.

“There are great opportunities in local government and Waimakariri District Council is a leader in the sector. We are looking to continue building a fantastic place to live in partnership with our community and are seeking a leader who can help deliver on this vision.”

“The Council has already appointed a panel of Councillors chaired by myself, who have been working through the process. As part of this we have selected recruitment agency Sheffield South Island to help with the process.”

Advertising for the role commences today, Monday 13^th March and closes Sunday 2^nd April. Following this, shortlisted candidates will be interviewed with the successful candidate hopefully appointed by mid-May.

Jeff Millward has agreed to remain as Acting Chief Executive throughout this time.