Hope to be council’s acting chief executive

Paul Hope has been elevated to the top.

The Waitaki District Council finance and corporate development group manager will become the council’s acting chief executive next month.

Outgoing chief executive Fergus Power confirmed the appointment in his final report to the council yesterday.

Mr Power leaves the council on June 4. Incoming chief executive Alex Parmley, of England, will join the council on July 19.

Mr Hope, who is also the acting assets group manager, will head the council in the interim.

In his report, Mr Power said he had been privileged to lead a "truly spectacular team" since 2017.

"I thank each and every one of you for the dedication and professionalism that you display every day," Mr Power said.

"It has been a pleasure to be able to serve the community and this council."

Waitaki Mayor Gary Kircher thanked Mr Power for all his hard work.

He praised Mr Power’s full reports to councillors through the years, with more detail than any previous chief executive.

Cr Jim Hopkins paid tribute to Mr Power for his vision, energy and positive contribution to the future of the district and wished him well for the future.

kayla.hodge@odt.co.nz