Christchurch council boss Karleen Edwards moves to Palmerston North

Monday, 28 June 2021

Former Christchurch City Council chief executive Karleen Edwards is moving to Palmerston North to take up the top job at the community services organisation Mash Trust.

Edwards is an Otago-qualified psychiatrist with a background in health management in Australia and New Zealand.

She has worked in Australia as the chief executive of the Commission for Hospital Improvement, and of the Central Northern Adelaide Health Service.

She has held various health roles in Canterbury, where she gained a Master’s degree in Business Administration from Canterbury University.

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Mash Trust chairwoman Heather Allan said her leadership in health and disability, local government and education made her an ideal fit for Mash.

“Karleen’s credentials in healthcare are second to none.”

Edwards said she was looking forward to settling in to Palmerston North and a return to the field of health and disability.

She had chosen not to re-apply for the top job in Christchurch after five years in what she described as a challenging role in rebuilding the council’s morale and finances.

Mash Trust recently celebrated its 30th anniversary in providing supported accommodation, mental health, disability and addiction recovery services for more than 2000 people and their families each year.

Edwards replaces David Robinson, who has taken up an appointment as chief executive of the Wellington Free Ambulance service.