As the search for a new South Wairarapa District Council [SWDC] chief executive moves into its final stage, the councillor coordinating the process is confident of finding the right candidate for the job.
SWDC councillor Dr Kaye McAulay – who is head of the chief executive recruitment panel and is herself an experienced chief executive and consultant – said the process has gone well so far, and a decision should not be far off.
“The panel has been delighted with the quality of the applications and feels very confident of an optimal outcome,” she said.
McAulay said about 60 people have applied for the role out of more than 100 expressions of interest received.
She said a rigorous competency-based assessment process has been used, with candidates having to show examples of successful leadership and other attributes. The range of competencies explored was agreed on by the full council to ensure the right attributes are identified.
A medium list of 35 has been further refined to a list of about 10 candidates who have been invited to an interview.
Interviews were expected to finish this week. The final shortlist of candidates will be invited to meet with all SWDC councillors, after which a final decision will be made.
McAulay is hopeful of making an announcement about the successful candidate in September, depending how long the final stages of the process take.
Paul Gardner is the interim chief executive while the process is underway.
The chief executive role became vacant after the resignation of former incumbent Harry Wilson earlier this year. Wilson had been in the role since 2019. – NZLDR
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