Chief Executive

Chief Executive | Kaiwhakahaere Matua - Tararua District Council

• Executive leadership role with an enviable rural lifestyle
• Leading people through a time of significant change
• Opportunity to make a difference in a District promising growth

Local Government New Zealand is working in proud partnership with Tararua District Council on this critical role. In accordance with the Local Government Act, this role is offered as a fixed-term for a period of up to 5 years.

About Tararua District Council | Kō wai mātou

Here is your opportunity to make a real difference in the community providing essential services in the Tararua district and making it a great place to live. The Tararua district enjoys seven towns and a population of 19,200 making it one of the largest rural councils in New Zealand. With stunning landscapes, mountain ranges, rivers and beaches, the outdoors plays an important part of local and tourism activities. Nestled between the regions of Manawatu – Whanganui, Wairarapa and the Hawkes Bay provides many opportunities and collaboration with neighbours.

The Council’s annual plan for 2025-2026 has 4 focus areas: thriving district, improving the environment, connected communities and interactive council.

Tararua District Council plans to deliver some significant projects in the coming years. Examples of these include the Pahiatua Swimming Pool development, district stormwater network development, and joining a new water service delivery entity. These projects will be delivered in a strategic framework guided by a new district plan and growth strategy.

Tararua District Council upholds and honours their responsibilities under Te Tiriti o Waitangi through partnerships with iwi partners, Ngāti Kahungunu ki Tāmaki-nui-a-Rua and Rangitāne o Tamaki nui-ā-Rua.

About the role | Te ahuatanga a te tūranga

The Chief Executive reports to the Council through the Mayor. The CE currently has 6 direct reports and indirectly leads a team of around 130 people. The CE is responsible for a current operating budget of approximately $43mil, and a capital budget of approximately $47mil.

The CE is responsible for the delivery of the Strategic Plan, including all Council operations. The role acts as a strategic advisor to the Mayor and Council, and works collaboratively with elected members in an open way

It’s an exciting time within the district. Councils are moving to adjust their focus in response to central government direction relating to resource management, building consents, water and more. Tararua has agreed to partner with Wairarapa councils to improve how they provide water services to their communities. Transformational change will be required to ensure the services delivered continue to meet the needs of the Tararua district, while also meeting obligations to central government.

The CE leads in a way that embodies the Council values of Whanaungatanga (relationship, kinship, sense of a family connection, working together), Pono (be true, valid, honest, genuine and sincere) and Whanake (to move onwards or upwards, to grow, to spring up, to develop, to rise) to shape the culture of Council and demonstrates what is important within the Council.

About you | Ko koe tēnei

You will be a senior leader, with demonstrated experience leading teams through significant change. You will have a high level of financial acumen, have experience in developing and delivering to strategic plans, and working collaboratively with multiple stakeholders, including a governing body.

Given the long-term impact of these transformative changes on this district you will need to be a collaborative, courageous and visionary leader.

You will have an understanding of the significance of and obligations under Te Tiriti o Waitangi.

Experience in local government processes would be an advantage, political awareness and sensitivity is a must as is experience working in a complex and regulated environment.

And finally, you will be comfortable being a visible part of the Tararua community, building relationships and understanding local needs from a first-hand perspective.

What next?

If you’re interested in hearing more, we’d love to hear from you! For more information please contact us via email at tararuace@lgnz.co.nz or phone Erica Thomas, People & Culture Manager LGNZ on 0273435734.

Applications close at 5pm on 10 October 2025. We will respond to applications with more information as they are received.

Please note, we are only able to consider people who have the right to live and work in Aotearoa New Zealand.