Unanimous support for Council Chief’s reappointment
Published on 11 April 2019
Whanganui District Council has unanimously approved the reappointment of Chief Executive Kym Fell for a further two years.
Mr Fell’s five-year term as Chief Executive was set to expire on 10 January 2021 but will be extended until 10 January 2023.
Mr Fell previously worked for Regional Facilities Auckland, a council-controlled organisation with oversight of Auckland Stadiums, Auckland Zoo, Auckland Art Gallery, Auckland Conventions and Auckland Live.
Whanganui Mayor Hamish McDouall says extending Mr Fell’s contract reflects the stable leadership he has provided over the last three-and-a-half years.
“Mr Fell’s commercial background and local government sector experience has positioned him well to run the district.
“Since January 2016, there has been a transformational shift in the way the Council operates, especially around customer service and becoming a more efficient organisation.
“Securing Kym for a further two-year term ensures stability for the Council after a number of years of significant change. His re-appointment provides continuity for Council staff, our Council-controlled organisations and the community.
“Kym’s focus is on leading a high-performing organisation, putting our community at the forefront of everything we do to make our district a great place to work, live and invest," says Mayor McDouall.
Mr Fell says he is encouraged by the support of elected members who are pleased with his performance to date.
“It’s a tough job and very few days are the same. I have found that no matter how complex a situation may be in our district, with a little compromise and an open mind we are able to achieve great things, which in turn enriches our community and the people we serve,” Mr Fell says.
Under the Local Government Act, a local authority must complete a review of a chief executive’s employment prior to the end of the five-year term before it can decide to extend a contract.
Over the last two months, Whanganui District Council’s Chief Executive Review Committee undertook the employment review and recommended a two-year contract extension to the full Council, the maximum allowed under the Act. Mr Fell’s contract was extended on 27 March 2019.