The council confirmed yesterday customer and regulatory general manager Claire Austin had resigned and her employment would end on August 16.
Ms Austin joined the council in 2021.
Chief executive Sandy Graham said in an email to staff she had overseen key work in compliance, customer and building services, as well as taking a leading role in the council’s Covid-19 response.
"She has now decided to enjoy the lifestyle, friends and public service opportunities that Australia has to offer.
"I will be in contact with Claire’s teams over the next week to ensure that we have an acting manager arrangement in place while we consider options for recruitment of this role."
An organisational chart from January shows an executive leadership team of nine and a series of other senior positions.
The council disclosed the resignations of former community services general manager Simon Pickford and former chief financial officer Gavin Logie in August last year, after confirming the resignation of former infrastructure and development general manager Simon Drew the previous month.
Mr Logie resigned for health reasons, Mr Pickford ended up becoming Buller District Council chief executive and Mr Drew took up a national position with Fulton Hogan.
Ms Austin came to the council from Wellington after more than 20 years’ strategic, operational and regulatory leadership experience in New Zealand and Australia’s government and charitable sectors.
She had worked at the Ministry of Justice and was previously the chief executive of the Cancer Society, Families Commission and Royal New Zealand College of General Practitioners.
At the time of Ms Austin’s city council appointment, Ms Graham said she would bring an external focus to the council’s operations, "adding a fresh set of eyes that draws on her considerable experience".
Council customer and regulatory committee chairwoman Carmen Houlahan said she wished Ms Austin all the best for her future ventures.
