New chief executive appointed

Waikato District Council is pleased to announce the appointment of Craig Hobbs as its new chief executive.

Mr Hobbs has decades of experience working in local government and executive roles including as CEO of Paralympics NZ, CEO of the National Maritime Museum, CE of South Waikato District Council, and most recently as a member of the executive leadership team and director of regulatory services at Auckland Council.

Mr Hobbs will take over the role from long standing chief executive Gavin Ion on 3 February 2025.

Waikato District Mayor Jacqui Church says there was significant interest in the role from highly qualified senior executives with both national and international experience. 

Mr Hobbs was selected due to his local government experience, focus on innovation, operational effectiveness, commitment to positive community outcomes and his dedication to uphold the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi.

"We were impressed with the high calibre of candidates for the role and went through several rounds of interviews. Craig was a clear stand out from the pool of candidates and had the unanimous agreement of the appointments committee which was then endorsed by council in appointing him to the role,” Mayor Jacqui says.

“Waikato District is undergoing a period of significant growth. Craig brings a wealth of experience and a fresh perspective for our operations as we continue to evolve our council to be as contemporary and fit for purpose as possible on behalf of our citizens. Council is committed to providing the services, planning, infrastructure and roading outcomes our communities need, within a very challenging economic climate.”

Mayor Jacqui highlighted his strategic vision and leadership as making him the perfect fit for the CE position.

“I am confident Craig will provide excellent continuity for our staff and will build on the strong legacy of Gavin Ion.”

She acknowledged Mr Ion’s outstanding contributions:

“Gavin has been a pillar of strength, providing exceptional leadership for our council and service to the community and region over the last 20 years.”

“As we prepare for this transition, we are committed to ensuring a seamless and smooth handover. The mayor and council are fully supportive of both Gavin and Craig during this period of change, and we are confident that this transition will be handled with the utmost professionalism, effectiveness and care,” she says.

Mr Hobbs says he feels honoured to have been selected to lead Waikato District Council by Mayor Jacqui and the council.

“I look forward to supporting a very progressive council and leading the organisation to deliver positive outcomes for the residents and ratepayers of the Waikato District,” he says. 

“I am very excited by the opportunities the district presents due to its location, lifestyle and affordability.”

Mr Hobbs adds that partnerships with key government, private sector, iwi, hapuu, marae and Maaori communities for the good of the district will be a focus, as will seeking innovative and more efficient and effective ways of delivering council services. 

“My family has a special affinity with the Waikato, and it will be great to come back and play a part in leaving an enduring legacy with council for the Waikato District,” he says. 

Mayor Jacqui says Mr Hobbs' appointment is significant as Waikato District Council continues to strive for excellence in serving the community.

"His operational leadership will be instrumental in guiding us through the next phase of growth and development as we continue to build a vibrant and sustainable future for our district,” Mayor Jacqui says.