New Chief Executive Announced - Tauranga City Council

Ken Paterson, currently Chief Executive of Northland Regional Council, has just been appointed as Chief Executive for Tauranga City Council.

Mr Paterson topped a long list of over 30 candidates for the position. Mayor Stuart Crosby said that from this long list they interviewed four extremely able candidates.

Mayor Crosby said Mr Paterson impressed with his background which covers both private and public sector administrations and his experience finding innovative solutions in all the organisations he has worked in. 'The Councillors and I also welcome Mr Paterson's very strong economic development focus'. Mr Crosby said that this is a timely appointment due to the new economic climate.

'The elected members all agree we need to look at the Council's service levels and find new and better ways to do things smarter. This might mean changing the way we deliver some things - but certainly we know the community wants us to continue to find the savings and efficiencies we can do within the organisation. Mr Paterson will be ideal to assist us to do this,' said Mr Crosby.

'Mr Paterson already has connections with a home in the Western Bay area and family here. We look forward to him joining us as soon as he is able.'

The salary for Mr Paterson, a total remuneration package, is $320,000 which will be reviewed after six months.

Mr Paterson replaces former Chief Executive Stephen Town who left in September to take up a role as Auckland/Northland Regional Director of the NZTA. Mr Paterson will take up the position in about two months - an exact date has not yet been set.

Northland Regional Council Chairman Craig Brown says Northland’s loss would be Tauranga’s gain and acknowledged the significant contribution Mr Paterson had made to the council and the region as a whole.

“Ken has been an excellent Chief Executive who has ably guided the council through a period of significant change and we wish him well for the future.”

Mr Brown says the council will now turn its attention to securing a suitable replacement.

Council Deputy CEO Tony Phipps will fill in as acting CEO until a replacement for Mr Paterson has been appointed.

Background

Ken Paterson, 59, joined Northland Regional Council, in January 2007, replacing longtime former chief executive Warren MacLennan.

Prior to joining the Northland Regional Council, Mr Paterson had spent five years as CEO of Techscape, an infrastructure works and maintenance company with approximately 290 staff formed by the former Waitakere and North Shore City Councils. Before that he was the Taupo-based Generations Manager for Contact Energy.

In his time at the Northland Regional Council, Mr Paterson has overseen a broadening in the council’s focus from largely environmental to one that also incorporates economic and infrastructural development, social and cultural matters.

He has also overseen the reorganisation of the council’s workforce, which currently numbers 142, and played a key role in development of the region’s recently-completed multimillion dollar Northland Events Centre in Whangarei.

ENDS

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