Craig Hobbs named as new Waikato District Council chief executive

Wednesday, 18 December 2024

Craig Hobbs will become the Waikato District Council's chief executive in 2025.

Waikato District Council’s new chief executive has previously led organisations including Paralympics NZ and another council further south.

Craig Hobbs was selected for the role from several candidates and will take over from current chief executive Gavin Ion February 2025.

Hobbs was selected for his “focus on innovation, operational effectiveness, commitment to positive community outcomes and his dedication to uphold the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi”, a press release from the Waikato District Council said.

Hobbs also has extensive experience in local government and executive roles, as CEO of Paralympics NZ, CEO of the National Maritime Museum, CE of South Waikato District Council, and most recently as a member of the executive leadership team and director of regulatory services at Auckland Council.

The district’s mayor Jacqui Church said council was impressed with the high calibre of all applicants to the role.

“Craig was a clear stand out from the pool of candidates and had the unanimous agreement of the appointments committee which was then endorsed by council in appointing him to the role,” Church said.

Hobbs said his family has ‘a special affinity with the Waikato’.

“Waikato District is undergoing a period of significant growth. Craig brings a wealth of experience and a fresh perspective for our operations as we continue to evolve our council to be as contemporary and fit for purpose as possible on behalf of our citizens.”

She acknowledged that Hobbs had rather large boots to fill.

“Gavin has been a pillar of strength, providing exceptional leadership for our council and service to the community and region over the last 20 years.

“The mayor and council are fully supportive of both Gavin and Craig during this period of change, and we are confident that this transition will be handled with the utmost professionalism, effectiveness and care.”

Hobbs said he looked forward to working with the progressive and forward-thinking council.

“My family has a special affinity with the Waikato, and it will be great to come back and play a part in leaving an enduring legacy with [the] council for the Waikato District,” Hobbs said.

“I am very excited by the opportunities the district presents due to its location, lifestyle and affordability.”

Gavin Ion’s run as a chief executive lasted for two decades before announcing his retirement this year. In a Linkedin post, Ion said he and his wife planned to move to Omokoroa.