Waitakere City Council has announced the appointment of a new chief executive

She is the current chief executive of Rodney District, Vijaya Vaidyanath. Mrs Vaidyanath takes over from long-serving CEO Harry O'Rourke, who retires in March 2008.
 
In making the announcement today, Waitakere Mayor Bob Harvey paid tribute to Mr O'Rourke, describing him as the epitome of the public service ethos: "Harry has made a magnificent contribution over many years, first to the former Waitemata City and more latterly Waitakere. He has shown a keen sense of operational expertise, married with strategic thinking, that has helped this City move forward dramatically."
 
Mr Harvey also took the opportunity to welcome Mrs Vaidyanath.
 
"After a nation-wide search and sifting through many quality candidates we were pleased to be able to offer her the job, and just as pleased that she was willing to accept and step up to the challenge.
 
"Vijaya is one of the most respected officers in local government with impressive credentials and a truly visionary approach."
 
Vijaya Vaidyanath has an MBA from the University of Pittsburgh and is a Senior Executive Fellow of Harvard University.
 
She is current chair of the Auckland CEO's Forum, and has worked previously with the South Taranaki District Council and Palmerston North City Council.
 
Rodney's mayor, John Law, says that Mrs Vaidyanath's decision was accepted "only with reluctance" and with sincere regret.
 
He says that councillors and council staff were united in wishing her well and understood fully her desire to pursue new challenges.
 
"Waitakere is getting a superb CEO, who will contribute greatly to its future."
 
Rodney District Council will be recruiting a new chief executive, with an appointment to be made after the October local body elections.
 
 ENDS.