Central Hawke's Bay District Council Chief Executive

Location: Waipawa, Hawkes Bay

About Central Hawke’s Bay (Tamatea) | Kō wai mātou

This is your opportunity to make a real difference in the community that is Tamatea - Central Hawke’s Bay.

This growing district covers 3,300 square kilometres of land, with a population of 16,000, serviced by its main towns Waipukurau and Waipawa. Sheep and beef farming are key elements in the district’s economy, along with an expanding horticultural sector.

Central Hawke’s Bay is also proudly home to the place in the world with the longest name – Taumatawhakatangihangakoauauotamateaturipukakapikimaungahoronukupokaiwhenuakitanatahu! The name means ‘The summit where Tamatea, the man with the big knees, the climber of mountains, the land-swallower who travelled about, played his nose flute to his loved one’.

Māori hold a special position as mana whenua of Tamatea. There are nine marae and 21 iwi/hapū. Central Hawke’s Bay District Council is proud of the strong relationships it has built with its iwi partners. This is the Tamatea Way.

With stunning landscapes, from the mountains to the sea, and plenty of sunshine on offer, the outdoors plays an important part of local and tourism activities. And if you need a city fix, Napier, Hastings, Palmerston North and Wellington are all within an easy drive.

About the role | Te ahuatanga a te tūranga

The 2025 local body elections returned a new Mayor for Central Hawke’s Bay District Council, and the Council includes the Mayor, 3 newly elected Councillors and 6 re-elected Councillors. Council also has a Pou Whirinaki appointed in an advisory capacity. Council have formed and are working together in a positive way to achieve the best outcomes for the district.

The Chief Executive reports to the Council through the Mayor. The CE currently has 6 direct reports and indirectly leads a team of around 90 people.

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.

Maintaining positive working relationships with neighbouring councils across Hawke’s Bay, is an important part of this role.

Council has agreed new priorities which include:

• Affordable and sustainable services

• Best value from every dollar

• Connected to the community

Transformational change will be required to ensure the services delivered by Council evolve to meet the needs of the district, while also meeting legal obligations and expectations of the community, business and Government.

It’s an exciting time within the district. There is significant opportunity relating to capital works, local government reform, water infrastructure, urban growth and continuing recovery from Cyclone Gabrielle.

In accordance with the Local Government Act, this role is offered as a fixed-term for a period of up to 5 years.

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 current and future changes, you will need to be a collaborative, courageous and visionary leader.

You will understand the significance of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and Council’s obligations under it, including via various statutes, and will enjoy the opportunities that arise working with Council’s iwi partners.

Experience working in or with a local government environment 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 Central Hawke’s Bay community, ideally living within the district, 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 ce.centralhawkesbay@lgnz.co.nz or phone Erica Thomas, People & Culture Manager LGNZ on 0273435734 for a confidential conversation.

Applications close 12th April at 5pm. 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.