Mr Theelen (55) ruled out immediate redundancies at the council.
His predecessor, Adam Feeley, began his own reign three years ago with sweeping changes to council structure.
In total, 70 FTEs (full-time equivalent) positions were axed, 26% of total jobs. Staff numbers have since crept back up as the council responds to growth in the district after the global financial crisis.
Wages have been covered by rising council income.
‘‘There's been some quite severe change and the focus now is on bedding that structure in and making it as effective as it can be,'' Mr Theelen said. ‘‘I've not come in with the desire or intention for radical change. Nor has the council employed me to do that.''
He said the proposed $70 million convention centre remained a priority, despite struggles to attract external funding, along with affordable housing, transport and infrastructure.
‘‘The convention centre's different in that it's quite a distinct project, but elements of growth, transport and visitor numbers all interact with the convention centre as well.''
He said it would support ‘‘one of the biggest economic drivers in our district, which is tourism''.
The former Christchurch City Council chief planning officer is being paid $305,000 a year, the same as Mr Feeley.
He began work on February 15.
