• Lead one of New Zealand’s largest and most complex local authorities
• Shape Christchurch’s future through visible and strategic leadership
• Deliver operational excellence while guiding the organisation through change and reform

Ōtautahi Christchurch is one of New Zealand’s most dynamic and ambitious cities — a place defined by resilience, innovation, and opportunity. As the South Island’s economic engine and New Zealand’s second-largest city, Christchurch generates approximately $36 billion in GDP and is home to nearly 400,000 residents across the city, Banks Peninsula, and surrounding communities.

In recent years the city has undergone a remarkable transformation rebuilding and reimagining itself, emerging as a modern, vibrant and highly liveable city. Significant investment in infrastructure, revitalised public spaces, and a strong commitment to sustainability have helped reshape the city and renewed confidence in its future. This regeneration has been driven by the collective efforts of Christchurch City Council working alongside mana whenua, local communities, businesses, and the creative sector.

Christchurch City Council itself has also made significant progress in recent years. Organisational performance has lifted, staff engagement has increased, and the organisation is delivering with greater clarity and discipline. With these foundations firmly in place, the city and Council are entering an important new phase - maintaining momentum while preparing thoughtfully for the opportunities and challenges ahead.

The Role

Christchurch City Council is seeking an exceptional Chief Executive to lead one of New Zealand’s largest and most complex local authorities through its next chapter.

The Chief Executive leads an organisation of more than 3,000 staff delivering essential services that support the everyday lives of Christchurch communities. Working closely with the Council’s elected members, Christchurch City Holdings (CCHL) and Council Controlled Organisations, the Chief Executive plays a critical role in shaping the city’s long term direction ensuring excellence in day to day service delivery.

Building on the strong progress achieved in recent years, the incoming Chief Executive will provide visible, confident and trusted leadership across the organisation, strengthening culture, capability, and accountability. A key focus will be on sustaining performance improvements, fostering an inclusive and collaborative leadership environment and maintaining high levels of engagement across the organisation.

The role also requires strong strategic leadership. The Chief Executive will provide a steady hand as the Council responds to evolving community expectations, increasing financial pressure and anticipated local government reform. This includes ensuring disciplined financial stewardship, integrating strategy across the wider Council group and maintaining strong alignment between organisational priorities and Council’s governance direction.

This is a leadership role that requires careful balance, combining operational rigour with a strong, future-focussed strategic lens, sustaining performance improvements while positioning Christchurch City Council for continued success.

The Person

We are seeking an accomplished executive leader with the capability, credibility and leadership presence to lead a large, complex organisation in a public service environment.

You will bring:

• A proven record of strengthening organisational performance and leading with clarity and accountability
• Strong people leadership capability with the ability to empower others, delegate effectively and foster a positive, inclusive organisation culture
• Confidence and skill in working with elected members, boards or governing bodies and navigating politically aware or highly regulated environments
• Strong strategic insight, with the ability to guide the organisation’s evolution in a sustainable and future-focused way
• Sound financial and commercial acumen including experience overseeing large budgets, capital programmes and performance metrics

You will be an accessible, open and transparent leader, recognised for your emotional intelligence, political acumen and commitment to public service values, building trust across the organisation while empowering a capable executive team.

Strong communication and stakeholder engagement skills will be essential, along with the ability to represent the Council confidently with mana whenua, central government, the business community, and the wider public.

Experience working in local government, the public sector, or other complex and highly regulated environments will be advantageous.

This is a rare opportunity to lead one of New Zealand’s most significant civic organisations and help shape the future of a dynamic and ambitious city.

To make confidential enquiries please contact Patrick Methven or Gerald van Looy.