Christchurch council flooded with 127 applications for ‘visionary’ leader

Thursday, 11 June 2026

Nearly 130 people from across New Zealand and Australia want to be the Christchurch City Council’s next chief executive - 90 more than applied two years ago.

The council embarked on a new search to find a “visionary and inspirational” leader in April as former chief executive Mary Richardson left the role on May 1.

Richardson was appointed in 2024 after the council chose not to employ any of the 37 people who originally applied for the job. She said from the outset that she only intended to be in the job until mid-2026.

She had been holding down the fort in an interim capacity for almost a year following the abrupt resignation of Dawn Baxendale in November 2023.

Acting mayor Victoria Henstock said the 127 applications reflected strong interest in the opportunity and in the council.

She said a mix of applications had been received from candidates across New Zealand and Australia.

Applications closed on May 6, but a shortlist has not yet been finalised.

Henstock said a shortlist would be completed within the next few weeks, which was also when interviews were scheduled to begin.

Initial interviews would be conducted by the council’s chief executive employment and performance committee, which has five members: Mayor Phil Mauger, Henstock, Pauline Cotter, Sam MacDonald and Jake McLellan.

The preferred candidate or candidates would then be interviewed by the full council of 17, as part of the final selection process.

Henstock said the council had not considered halting the search, given the Government’s plans to amalgamate local government.

“The process of amalgamation will be ongoing for some time. Christchurch City Council needs to secure a new chief executive to lead us through that process.”

Council chief financial officer Bede Carran was appointed interim chief executive in April.

A 16-page job description stated the council was looking for an experienced chief executive who had successfully led complex organisations and understands the unique dynamics of New Zealand local government.

A strong connection to Christchurch and Banks Peninsula was also desirable, but not essential.

The council wanted someone who had been recognised for building trusted relationships.

Candidates should also have strong financial acumen, be politically savvy, have outstanding emotional intelligence and communication skills, and a calm, diplomatic and collaborative leadership style.

The document did not state salary expectations, but last year Richardson received $466,569. Her predecessor Dawn Baxendale was on about $548,500 when she left.