Christchurch City Council chief executive to leave organisation two months before contract ends

Tuesday, 7 April 2026

Mary Richardson’s contract as Christchurch City Council chief executive will end on May 1. (File photo)

The Christchurch City Council’s chief executive will leave the job two months before her contract is complete, using up accrued leave first.

Mary Richardson’s contract as chief executive was due to expire on June 30, but due to her accrued leave, the council has agreed her final day will arrive 61 days earlier on May 1.

“She has resigned with no plans at this stage,” the council said.

Richardson became the chief executive in October 2024 holding down the fort in an interim capacity for almost a year following the abrupt resignation of Dawn Baxendale in November 2023.

Richardson as the then interim chief executive talks at a community board meeting in 2024. (File photo)

The council chose not to replace Baxendale with any of the 37 people who originally applied for the position.

Instead the council persuaded Richardson (who at the time was a former general manager and long-time council employee) to take on the role by honouring her condition to have its remuneration drastically reduced by more than $100,000.

The Press reported in 2024 that Baxendale was paid $548,548 in 2023 and Richardson’s total remuneration would be $450,000.

The ending of her contract in the council’s top staffing job will see the council advertise for a new chief executive for the second time in two years.

Richardson said she enjoyed her time leading the organisation, but was transparent about not wanting the role for the usual full five-year contract when she was hired.

“When I agreed to take on the chief executive role, it was with a clear purpose and a clear time frame. The organisation is now in a strong position and focused on the upcoming annual plan and the development of the 2027-37 long-term plan.

“It makes sense for someone who will be here through the period of planning and delivery to lead it.”

From left, Christchurch City Council Chief Executive Mary Richardson and Christchurch Mayor Phil Mauger speak to the media during a Wastewater Treatment Plant announcement at the Mayor’s Lounge in 2024. (File photo)

Mayor Phil Mauger said Richardson’s contribution was “outstanding”.

“Mary has been such a safe pair of hands and stepped up at a critical time, delivering exactly what the organisation needed.

“Her leadership has strengthened performance, lifted confidence, and set us up well for the future.

“She’s a public servant through and through. We are extremely grateful for her service and wish her the very best.”

Recruitment for the next chief executive is under way, and an acting chief executive will be appointed for the transition.

Last time, the council produced a 19-page candidate briefing pack that stated the successful candidate should have a “connection and commitment to Christchurch”, along with “exceptional emotional intelligence”.