A streamlined executive leadership team of four group managers reporting to Chief Executive Kym Fell will deliver financial and operational efficiencies across Masterton District Council, he says.

Kym said the recent appointments to exciting new roles of current GM Assets and Infrastructure Maseina Koneferenisi, in Queenstown, and GM Community Corin Haines, to Chief Executive of Tararua District Council, had enabled a redesign of the leadership structure.

“When I started in the Chief Executive role in 2023, the organisation had eight Senior Leadership Team members. By February we will have reduced that number to four, largely through natural attrition.

“The change is intentional and strategic, focusing on clearer accountability, and stronger empowerment of other leaders throughout the Council. It aligns with the Government’s stated goal of more efficient councils that maximise value for ratepayers.”

The four Group Manager roles in the Council will be GM Infrastructure, GM Strategy, GM Corporate and Community, and the Chief Financial Officer.

Mayor Bex Johnson said the elected members of the Council strongly supported the approach.

“In times of change, which can be unsettling, Kym has led in a calm, deliberate, and transparent way. This is about ensuring the organisation is well-structured, financially responsible, future-focused, and delivering real outcomes for the Masterton community.

“Operating as efficiently as possible and identifying areas for savings is critical to ensuring we continue to support our communities effectively, especially as we respond to increasing cost pressures.

“The emphasis on simplifying leadership layers while empowering capable leaders closer to the work is exactly the kind of disciplined approach our Council needs,” Mayor Johnson said.

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