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Executive Management

The Councillors employ a Chief Executive Officer to help action their decisions, and the CEO employs staff to help achieve this. Council has one CEO and five other Group Managers.

Each department of Council is run by a manager, who reports to one of the Group Managers. The Executive team is made up of:

Chief Executive Officer Don McLeod

Don McLeod
Chief Executive

Phone: 07 884 0060
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The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) leads and ensures the effective management of all Council operations, administration, and policy development to ensure the highest quality of service to the district. The Chief Executive sets the overall vision and strategy for the organisation, creating a common purpose for all staff to aspire to.The five Group Managers report directly to the CEO.

Group Manager Operations Fiona Vessey

Fiona Vessey
Group Manager Operations

Phone: 07 884 0060
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This role is responsible for the delivery of operations, maintenance, renewal and capital works.The following functions report to this position:

  • Roading
  • Three Waters
  • Kaimai Valley Services
  • Solid Waste
Group Manager Business Services Manaia Te Wiata

Manaia Te Wiata
Group Manager Business Services

Phone: 07 884 0060
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This role is responsible for business and professional services that support others.   The following functions report to this position:

  • Finance and Business Services
  • Information and Technology
  • Asset Strategy and Major Projects
Group Manager People, Governance and Relationships Kelly Reith

Kelly Reith
Group Manager People, Governance and Relationships

Phone: 07 884 0060
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This role is responsible for the delivery of Council’s corporate functions, with a focus on community connection and partnerships to enhance community wellbeing.   The following functions report to this position:

  • People, Safety and Wellness
  • Strategic Partnerships and Governance
  • Risk and Quality
Councillor Caleb J Ansell

Dennis Bellamy
Group Manager Growth & Regulation

Phone: 07 884 0060
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This role is responsible for the delivery of Council’s regulation functions and to plan for growth and resilience.  The following functions report to this position:

  • Resource Management
  • Building Control
  • Enforcement and Monitoring
  • Emergency Management
  • Legal
Group Manager Customer Experience Jenni Cochrane

Jenni Cochrane
Group Manager Customer Experience

Phone: 07 884 0060
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This role is responsible for customer and community experience, including digital enablement. The following functions report to this position:

  • Customer Services
  • Facilities
  • Communications and Engagement 
  • Library Services
  • Digital Enablement