Familiar face returns to Christchurch’s highest ranks

Tuesday, 28 November 2023

Jane Parfitt is returning to Christchurch City Council as its interim general manager infrastructure, planning and regulatory services.

Christchurch City Council’s former chief operating officer, Jane Parfitt, is returning to the council’s highest ranks on a temporary basis.

Parfitt — known for her key role in the council’s earthquake response — began work on Monday as interim general manager of infrastructure, planning and regulatory services.

It will be a load off the shoulders of Mary Richardson, who took on the portfolio after her colleague Jane Davis suddenly went on leave in February.

Richardson, who is the council’s general manager for citizens and community, has been acting chief executive since Dawn Baxendale’s abrupt departure in early November.

According to a council spokesperson, Parfitt will fill the role until a permanent replacement is found next year.

Parfitt has over 30 years experience working in local government. She worked for Christchurch City Council from 2003 to 2015, spending most of that time as the general manager of city environment.

Part of that role included Civil Defence and Emergency Management, which did critical work during and after the February 2011 Canterbury earthquakes.

Parfitt became acting chief executive in mid-2013 after the abrupt departure of Tony Marryatt.

After a permanent chief executive was found in 2014, Parfitt became the council’s chief operating officer. Her role was disestablished by the end of 2015.

Since then she has been an adviser to council chief executives in Kaikōura, Invercargill and most recently in Southland.

Her interim role sits on the council’s executive leadership team, alongside Richardson and Lynn McClelland, who is assistant chief executive and head of strategic policy and performance.

Russell Holden is acting chief financial officer and general manager of resources until a permanent replacement is found.

Holden has been the council’s head of finance since July 2022. He stepped up after former finance boss Leah Scales - who has since resigned - went on sick leave in early November.

In the meantime, Niel Koch is acting head of finance.