At the final Council meeting of 2022, held on 21 December, Waikato District Council Mayor Jacqui Church and her Councillors agreed on the extension of the contract of current Chief Executive, Gavin Ion. Ion will now stay on in the top job until 28 June 2025.
With the new Council now in place, and nine of the fourteen seats held by newly elected Councillors, the continued stability of the organisation is seen as critical as Council move through their first year of business and navigate the triennium against a backdrop of multiple and complex local government reforms.
Mayor Jacqui Church says she believes the decision is a good one for her Council, the staff, and the communities they serve. “I personally have the utmost respect for Gavin and genuinely believe his focus is always on what is best for our district. His long-term experience in local government, working with our communities, managing strategic projects and regional relationships will all be of huge value as we evolve as a Council - putting a greater emphasis on business performance, responding to the Government’s reform agenda, and supporting continued growth in our district.”
Gavin Ion says he is delighted and privileged to have the opportunity to continue leading Waikato District Council, having already served as Chief Executive of the organisation for over 19 years.
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