Chief Executive
New Plymouth District Council
An exciting opportunity is available for an outstanding Chief Executive to lead New Plymouth District Council through a period of significant reform and regional change. Reporting to the Mayor and Councillors, the CE will provide leadership, guiding the district with vision, integrity and a focus on positive outcomes for all whānau and hapori.
New Plymouth is a place people choose to stay. Framed by the striking presence of Mount Taranaki and the Tasman Sea, it offers the space to think, lead and live well. It’s a district known for its strong sense of community, its creative spirit and its balance of ambition and lifestyle. For leaders seeking impact without sacrificing connection to whānau, community and the outdoors, it presents a compelling proposition.
This pivotal leadership role comes at a time of government led reform, regional collaboration discussions, and evolving community expectations. The successful appointee will provide steady, values led leadership while strengthening the organisation’s capability for long term sustainability and growth.
Key Responsibilities / Ngā Haepapa Matua:
- Review and enhance organisational structure, capability and culture to deliver rapid transformational change as may be necessary
- Provide clear, future focused strategic leadership as the organisation navigates regional amalgamation discussions, resource management reform, rates capping and other central government changes
- Ensure business as usual services are delivered effectively while ensuring that the organisation is best placed to make the best of the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead
- Strengthen partnerships across the Taranaki region, working closely with neighbouring councils, iwi, businesses and hapori to enable shared services and regional efficiency
- Along with the Mayor and Councillors, act as the public face of the organisation, representing the Council in regional and national forums and building trusted relationships with diverse stakeholders
- Champion initiatives that enhance wellbeing, sustainability and long term prosperity for whānau and hapori
- Lead, mentor and develop an experienced executive team, fostering a culture of tautoko, inclusion, accountability and high performance
What You’ll Bring / Ko Āu Kawe Mai:
- Proven experience leading a large and complex organisation, ideally within the public sector or a similarly regulated environment
- A strong track record of successfully delivering large scale organisational change
- Exceptional stakeholder management skills with the ability to influence across government, community and commercial sectors
- Deep understanding of governance frameworks and regulatory environments
- Strategic agility, commercial acumen and sound financial oversight capability
- A collaborative and inclusive leadership style that builds trust and manaakitanga
- Strong public presence and communication skills
- A genuine commitment to community outcomes, ethical leadership and fostering whānau wellbeing
Why Join? / He Aha Ai Tēnei Umanga?
This is an opportunity to lead a high performing organisation at a defining moment for the district. You will work alongside an engaged Council and a capable executive team committed to delivering for hapori and whānau.
For a Chief Executive ready to combine strategic vision with authentic community impact, this is a role where you can truly make a difference for whānau, hapori and the wider community.
For further information about the opportunity and its context, please refer to the candidate briefing pack available via the link below: Candidate Briefing Pack - Chief Executive Officer - NODC
Robert Walters endeavours to review all applications in a maximum of five working days. If you have not received correspondence in this timeframe please do not hesitate to contact Neil Munro on +6493747367.
