The chief executive for the district council has been reappointed for the next five years.
Mayor Neil Brown said current chief executive Hamish Riach had been offered the role and agreed to continue.
“We are pleased to reappoint Hamish so future councils can benefit from his experience, skill, and consistency,” Brown said.
“With local body elections and Government reforms coming up, we felt strongly that Hamish was the best choice to lead the organisation through the changes ahead.”
Mr Riach had completed the maximum term of employment permitted under the Local Government Act of seven years (five years, plus a two-year extension) and so the role had to be readvertised.
He was appointed chief executive in 2018 and will have completed seven years in September.
The district council engaged recruitment agency Brannigans Christchurch to provide independent advice to elected members and to facilitate the recruitment process.
The position was advertised online for a month from December 18, and received 25 applications, which was then whittled down to a shortlist of five.
Riach said he was delighted to be reappointed.
“I look forward to continuing the council’s work programme with the mayor and elected councillors, council staff, contractors, and the Ashburton community.”
~ Ashburton District Council
