Looking for our next Chief Executive

Lead a unique New Zealand council at an important time for the Chathams.

Chatham Islands Council is seeking applications for the role of Chief Executive.

Location: Chatham Islands / Rēkohu / Wharekauri 
Work type: Full time
Classification: CEO / General Management
Applications close: 5.00pm, 3 August 2026

This is a rare leadership opportunity in one of New Zealand’s most distinctive communities. The Chatham Islands require practical, experienced and highly capable executive leadership across local government, infrastructure, Crown relationships, iwi/imi engagement, community services, regulatory functions, financial management and long-term regional development.

Council has made significant progress over recent months and is now looking to appoint a permanent Chief Executive who can continue strengthening the organisation, support elected members, work constructively with the community, and help position the Chathams for future investment, reform and delivery.

About the role

The Chief Executive is responsible for leading Chatham Islands Council and ensuring the effective implementation of Council decisions, statutory responsibilities, services, systems, staff, finances and operations.

The role requires visible, practical and trusted leadership in a remote, high-accountability environment. The successful applicant will work closely with elected members, staff, iwi/imi, the Chatham Islands Enterprise Trust, Ministers, government agencies, Environment Canterbury, contractors, community stakeholders and commercial partners.

Key priorities include:

• Continuing to rebuild confidence with Ministers, central government agencies, Audit New Zealand, the Office of the Auditor-General and the Chathams community
• Strengthening Council governance systems, policies, internal controls, procurement, financial reporting and organisational discipline
• Maintaining Council’s improved financial position and supporting long-termfinancial sustainability
• Leading core Council operations and statutory responsibilities in a practical and well-managed way
• Supporting effective transition and service arrangements with Environment Canterbury and other delivery partners
• Advancing infrastructure planning and delivery across roading, ports, water, wastewater, waste, fuel, freight, airport and related services
• Supporting constructive engagement with the Crown on funding, reform, infrastructure and regional development opportunities
• Working respectfully and effectively with iwi/imi and the wider Chathams community
• Building staff capability, accountability and service culture
• Identifying opportunities to reduce duplication, improve alignment and strengthen delivery for the Chathams.

About you

Council is seeking a senior leader with the experience, judgement and credibility required for this unique role.

The ideal candidate will bring:

• Chief Executive, senior executive or equivalent leadership experience
• Strong local government, public sector, Crown agency, infrastructure, commercial or community governance experience
• Proven ability to work with elected members, boards, Ministers, officials and community stakeholders
• Experience leading through complex, sensitive or high-scrutiny environments
• Strong financial management, governance, procurement, risk and internal control capability
• Commercial acumen and experience working with trusts, council-controlled organisations, subsidiaries, infrastructure businesses or community-owned assets
• A sound understanding of infrastructure delivery, regional development, funding, contracting and service delivery
• Experience working with iwi/imi, Treaty settlement contexts, or comparable relationship-based governance settings
• Credibility in remote, regional or small-community environments where practical delivery matters
• The ability to manage conflicts, accountabilities and stakeholder relationships with discipline and transparency
• A strong connection to, understanding of, or demonstrated commitment to the Chatham Islands
• The ability to provide stable, constructive and trusted leadership at both community and government levels.

Future focus

The Chatham Islands face a distinctive combination of challenges and opportunities: remoteness, infrastructure pressure, high service delivery costs, a small rating base, Crown dependency in key areas, strategic community assets, and the need for strong local leadership.

Council is interested in applicants who can bring practical ideas for strengthening Council’s performance, reducing duplication, improving alignment with key Chathams entities, and supporting better outcomes for the community.

Applicants are encouraged to include, as part of their covering letter or supporting statement, their initial views on:

• The priorities for Council over the first 90 days
• How Council can continue rebuilding confidence with Ministers, officials and the community
• How Council can strengthen delivery, financial sustainability and internal controls
• How Council should work effectively with the Chatham Islands Enterprise Trust,iwi/imi, Environment Canterbury and other key partners
• Any practical opportunities to improve efficiency, alignment and service delivery for the Chathams.

How to apply

View the job on Seek.(external link)

Applications should include:

• A covering letter
• A current CV
• A short supporting statement outlining how the applicant would approach Council’s immediate priorities, strengthen delivery, support financial sustainability, and work effectively with key Chathams entities, iwi/imi, Environment Canterbury, Ministers and central government agencies.

Council will assess applications having regard to capability, experience, fit for the Chathams, leadership approach, value for money, governance judgement, and ability to meet Council’s needs.

Applications close at 5.00pm on 3 August 2026.