Chief Executive

Overview

New Plymouth District Council is seeking a forward-looking Chief Executive to help shape the next era of local government. This is not a maintenance-focused leadership role; it calls for someone who can rethink how a council can operate, collaborate and deliver value in a period of major change.

The district is at an important turning point, with sector reform gathering pace, community expectations evolving, and the boundaries around local government becoming less defined. The organisation wants a leader who sees change as an opening rather than a threat, and who can bring together communities, navigate complexity, influence nationally, work regionally and drive internal transformation.

As Chief Executive, you will lead one of New Zealand's most ambitious councils through a period that will influence public service delivery, regional partnership, infrastructure planning, economic development, environmental responsibility and community wellbeing. The role offers an established platform with strong momentum, along with the freedom to take it further and leave a lasting legacy.

What the role involves

• Guiding the council through local government reform and broader sector change.
• Contributing to new approaches to infrastructure delivery and funding.
• Identifying and advancing regional collaboration opportunities.
• Responding to shifting community expectations with practical leadership.
• Supporting economic growth and investment in the district.
• Strengthening climate resilience and sustainability outcomes.
• Building stronger relationships with iwi and mana whenua.
• Supporting and strengthening democratic processes.
• Improving value and efficiency across council services.

What success looks like

This position is designed for a leader who wants to shape what comes next, not simply preserve what already exists. It suits someone who can combine strategic thinking with delivery focus, and who is comfortable making difficult decisions while bringing others along on the journey.

About the location

New Plymouth offers a highly attractive lifestyle alongside the leadership challenge. Set at the base of Taranaki Maunga and beside the Tasman Sea, it provides room to think, lead and enjoy an exceptional quality of life. The location allows for a balance of national-level influence and a sustainable lifestyle, with mountains, trails and coastline all close at hand.

Candidate profile

You may already be in a Chief Executive role, or you may lead a large public, infrastructure, utility, commercial or purpose-led organisation. Either way, you should bring proven experience leading through major change, along with the judgement and presence needed for a complex public-facing leadership position.

• Experience in local government leadership and the confidence to lead through transformation.
• A track record of guiding complex organisations through significant change.
• Strong political judgement and stakeholder management skills.
• The ability to make hard calls with clarity and conviction.
• A humble leadership style that encourages people to come with you.
• Strategic thinking paired with a strong bias toward delivery.
• Experience building high-performing workplace cultures.
• The ability to spot opportunities where others may only see barriers.
• Energy and motivation to shape the future rather than protect the status quo.

Application guidance

Applicants are encouraged to present a high-quality application well before the closing date. The search partner notes that all applications are typically reviewed within five working days. If no response is received in that period, candidates may contact Neil Munro at +6493747367.

Important note

This opportunity is intended for someone ready to lead boldly and help create the best possible future for the district. It is not suited to candidates looking for a routine desk-based executive role.