Waitaki Mayor Gary Kircher declined to name the two candidates for the role of council chief executive but said both of the remaining candidates had strong local government backgrounds and some private sector experience. The council’s executive committee had reached a "fairly good consensus" about the top two candidates after it interviewed the five shortlisted candidates at the end of May.
The two remaining candidates would make a presentation to the full council during a workshop before being interviewed this month. The final decision would be made during a public-excluded council session and announced in late June.
"Basically, it’s a majority decision, but the more unanimous it is, obviously, the better it is," Mr Kircher said.
"But ... again it comes down to what each individual [councillor] wants and what they see in each of the candidates. I’m certainly hoping for as close to a unanimous decision as we can get, but time will tell."
In February, council chief executive Michael Ross announced he would leave his post in June, six months earlier than expected. He has held the role since 2004.The Otago Daily Times reported in April 72 applications had been received for the role.
Mr Kircher has called the chief executive appointment one of the most important decisions for the council this term.
