Queenstown Lakes District Council Announces New Chief Executive

A seasoned Local Government practitioner with a strong background in planning and leadership has been appointed to the role of Queenstown Lakes District Chief Executive, QLDC Mayor Vanessa van Uden announced today.

Mike Theelen held the position of General Manager Strategy and Planning at Christchurch City Council from 2006 until 2014, changing in title only to Chief Planning Officer CCC in 2014. Mr Theelen left that role in December 2015 in pursuit of a new challenge.

Areas of responsibility in Mr Theelen’s previous role, including business, planning, transport and infrastructure, made Mr Theelen a highly experienced generalist with the necessary attributes and skillset for the Queenstown Lakes District, Mayor van Uden said.

Mr Theelen, who also headed up the CCC recovery team post the 2010 and 2011 Canterbury earthquakes said he was delighted with the opportunity.

As a keen outdoor enthusiast, the district was already a familiar and favourite destination.

“I understand the challenges this fast paced and dynamic environment present and I am really looking forward to working with elected members, staff and the community to continue to meet those challenges,” Mr Theelen said.

Mayor van Uden said Mr Theelen would take up the new role in early February enabling a brief handover period with departing Chief Executive Adam Feeley, who resigned in November 2015 to pursue new opportunities.

ENDS

© Scoop Media