I have now been the interim Chief Executive for around six weeks here at Tararua District Council. What has stood out to me in these first weeks is the strength of the Tararua District Council itself - the energy of its communities, the pride people take in their towns, and the dedication of elected members and staff who genuinely want to make a difference. It is clear this is a district with strong foundations and real potential.

With the recruitment process for a new permanent Chief Executive now underway, I anticipate that I will be in the role until the end of February 2026. During that time my focus will be three-fold. First, the focus will be on ensuring that the organisation continues to function and provide value to the District’s ratepayers.

Second, I will have a keen focus on inducting the new Council.

The next triennium is likely to be a challenging one for councils across New Zealand for a variety of reasons. For elected members understanding the broader strategic environment, anticipating change and seizing opportunities in my view will be key.

My third focus therefore is to help, as best that I can, Tararua’s new batch of governors to understand that broader picture prior to moving into a deeper discussion during the Long Term Plan process.

At its heart, change in the local government sector will be driven by one key factor: value to the ratepayer. Across New Zealand families are struggling in a cost of living crisis. There is no easy fix to that. Governments of whatever political colour will have to grapple with some tough decisions over the next decade. But councils can play their part.

We need to understand the very real economic concerns of our ratepayers. We need to be continually and unrelentingly focussed on delivering value to the ratepayer.

I look forward to my time with Council and ensuring Council is well positioned for a smooth transition to a permanent Chief Executive in the new year.