Chief Executive Reappointed Through to 2024

Waimate District Council Chief Executive Stuart Duncan has been reappointed to the role for a further two years.

The appointment was resolved at last week’s Council Meeting (28 July), following a unanimous direction by councillors to extend Duncan’s existing contract through to 2024.

Duncan thanked elected members for their vote of confidence, pointing out it was a privilege to work with and alongside elected officials, staff and key stakeholders.

Duncan initially took the top job in February 2017 on a five-year fixed term contract. His new contract concludes in February 2024, at which point Council will have to advertise the position in accordance with the Local Government Act 2002 (LGA).

Commenting on the reappointment, Mayor Craig Rowley said Council were fortunate to have a leader of Duncan’s experience and calibre at the helm, and was delighted to retain his services.

“There’s some seriously challenging times ahead in local government, and this contract extension reflects the strong and stable leadership that Stuart provides. Over the last five years, Stuart has taken some significant steps with staff to move the organisation towards being a more cost-effective and district-focused Council, and both myself and fellow councillors have been really impressed with both performance and progress,” Mayor Rowley said.

“Securing Stuart for a further two-year term ensures we can push ahead with full confidence, navigate those challenges along the way and continue building on that progress. I congratulate Stuart, and also our councillors in approving his reappointment.”

Duncan said he was proud to lead an organisation committed to the betterment of its community and wider district.

“I’m proud of what we have been able to do and achieve in the last five years . . . and it’s my intention to ensure we continue leveraging from the momentum and growth our district is currently enjoying,” he said.

“We have already faced some very challenging times, and in the coming months and years, we will face many more. But, I believe as a Council we’re well placed to come through those and we will continue to deliver the levels of service this district has come to expect.”

Under the LGA, a local authority must complete a review of a chief executive's employment before the end of the five-year term, before it can decide to extend a contract.

Over the last two months, Waimate District Council’s Chief Executive Review Committee undertook the employment review and recommended a two-year contract extension to the full council, the maximum allowed under the act.

Duncan’s contract extension officially commences in February 2022.