Ōpōtiki Chief Executive role renewed

Ōpōtiki Mayor, Lyn Riesterer, said that she was pleased with the unanimous vote from councillors to extend the Chief Executive’s role for another two years.

“The review and remuneration process for local government Chief Executives is always a lengthy and thorough process through the Risk and Assurance Committee working alongside an external consultant. This time it has been a little more drawn-out than usual because of covid and a very high stack of work for council to get through on top of our usual workload. Thanks to everyone for their hard work and patience with this process,” Mayor Riesterer said.

Other councillors who worked through this process also acknowledged that stability during a period of extensive change in local government was vital.

“Last month, we offered an additional two years to the Chief Executive, Aileen Lawrie, and are very pleased she has signed and accepted that offer. It brings further stability to the management of our organisation as we get through the current wave of local government reforms and challenges,” Deputy Mayor Shona Browne said.

Councillors were also very aware of the current workload of council and the amount, business-as-usual and significant projects in almost every area. The Mayor said the organisation is travelling at full speed in “delivery mode”.

“Because of many years of preparation and planning under successive councils, we have been perfectly placed to make the most of government funding and new opportunities. We can see the results of that work all around us from new buildings, new jobs, and whole new industries.

“We are currently spending close to five times our usual expenditure and that is a huge amount of work for council staff. It is a credit to Aileen and her team that we have a harbour being built, and a stable and committed workforce who are working hard for the community,” Mayor Riesterer said.