Councillors and mayor interview potential chief executive candidates

Thursday, 12 September 2024

Thirty-seven people applied to be Christchurch City Council’s next chief executive.

Three candidates have been short-listed in Christchurch City Council’s search for a new chief executive.

Thirty-seven people applied for the job, but only three were selected to be interviewed.

The interviews took place on Wednesday, in front of all 16 councillors and mayor Phil Mauger.

Interim chief executive Mary Richardson has been doing the job since November, when Dawn Baxendale left abruptly with 11 months left on her contract.

Baxendale cited personal reasons for her departure, but pressure had been mounting on her for some time as she grappled with low staff morale, poor resident satisfaction and high staff turnover.

Mary Richardson has stepped in as interim chief executive since Dawn Baxendale left late last year.

It is not known who has put their name in the ring for the job, but Richardson earlier ruled out taking on the position permanently. She confirmed this week she did not apply for the role.

Former Canterbury District Health Board chief executive David Meates also confirmed this week he did not apply.

Meates stood for the mayoralty in October 2022, narrowly losing to Phil Mauger by 2271 votes. He has been working as Rowing New Zealand interim chief executive since December 2022.

Ashburton District Council’s chief Hamish Riach has repeatedly refused to comment on the issue.

Former Canterbury District Health Board chief executive David Meates has confirmed he did not apply for the job.

A council spokesperson said the council hoped to confirm the appointment in early October, and a public announcement would be made once the terms and conditions of employment were negotiated and agreed upon.

The council said last month, most of the applicants came from within New Zealand. Just two came from people who were overseas, but they were returning home to New Zealand.

The council made no secret of its desire to employ someone with an understanding of New Zealand local government.

A 19-page candidate briefing pack stated the successful candidate should have a “connection and commitment to Christchurch”, along with “exceptional emotional intelligence”.

The pack also said the council was looking for someone with a “track record in providing strategic, visible and inspirational leadership”.

They must have a “calm, composed, diplomatic and collaborative style”, have experience effectively working with mana whenua and have experience working in a high-profile role with media scrutiny.

The expected salary has not been finalised. Baxendale was on $548,548 in 2023.

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