Tararua District Council Chief Executive, Bryan Nicholson, has announced that he will be stepping down from his role in August this year, after nearly five years in the job.

Tararua District Mayor Tracey Collis says that she regretfully accepted Nicholson’s resignation at the beginning of this week.

“During Bryan’s time as Chief Executive, the Tararua community has weathered more than our fair share of challenges. Through these challenges we have grown stronger as a Council and this is a testament to Bryan’s leadership.”

After a tenure that included COVID, Cyclone Gabrielle, and significant government reform; including two successive government water services delivery options -  Nicholson says that now feels like the right time to move on.

“I’m heading  to Australia to take on the role of General Manager at King Island Council in Tasmania. It will be a new challenge for me in a completely different environment, one that I know my role with Tararua District Council has prepared me well for.

“Tararua District Council is in a far stronger position than we were five years ago thanks to the hurdles we have overcome together. Nowhere has this been truer than with our partnership with Iwi which has flourished through both COVID and Cyclone Gabrielle, treaty settlements and a crown apology.”

“Within the Council, we have developed forward-thinking strategies to plan for the future, gained a deeper understanding of our assets, and built a cohesive, hardworking team dedicated to serving our community. Our ‘One Team’ approach has been key to delivering these significant outcomes; fostering collaboration and resilience across the organisation. I am deeply proud to have worked alongside such a dedicated team, and I am confident that the organisation is well-placed for continued success.”

Mayor Collis says that she wants to personally thank Nicholson for his service, integrity, and hard work serving the Tararua district.

“On behalf of Council, I wish Bryan and King Island Council all the very best for this next chapter. We are pleased that he will be with us while we plan for his replacement and help prepare for the transition.”