Masterton District Council’s [MDC] chief executive David Hopman has resigned just over a year into his tenure, citing personal reasons.
Hopman, who has worked for Masterton District Council for more than 14 years, was appointed to the role of chief executive in November 2021, prior to which he was MDC’s assets and operations manager.
Masterton Mayor Gary Caffell said Hopman had resigned for personal reasons and would work a three-month notice period, during which he would support the council in finding a new chief executive.
“Stepping into the chief executive role at a very difficult time, both internally and externally, was always going to be a huge challenge and David has risen to that challenge magnificently,” Caffell said.
“Certainly, as an organisation, we are in a far better place than we were when he assumed the chief executive role, and much of that is due to his outstanding leadership.
“I know councillors and staff were very regretful at hearing the news, and it’s easy to understand why.
“We will now begin the process of finding a new chief executive and hope to be able to quickly appoint a new person to this critical role.”
Hopman replaced previous chief executive Kath Ross, who resigned in September 2021 following controversy over the council’s civic facility project.
Ross was caught on CCTV tearing down a poster for the Hands Around the Town Hall protest, at which more than 1000 people took a stand against the council’s proposed new civic centre.
She apologised for the incident. – NZLDR
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It’s better gor him to resign coz I he’s not a people person I would say. When you always greet him he doesn’t say hi back AT ALL!