Chief executive appointment ‘strong’ signal Taranaki councils headed for amalgamation – mayor

The appointment of the current Taranaki Regional Council chief executive as interim New Plymouth District Council (NPDC) chief executive – a role that he will hold alongside his existing position – is a strong signal the two councils are headed towards amalgamation, according to New Plymouth mayor.

The move is believed to be a New Zealand first.

Max Brough said Steve Ruru’s appointment was an indication of what was to come.

“It’s a strong signal and I think, if you ask anybody in the wider local government sector, they all acknowledge reform is needed and it’s coming at us.”

Brough said the appointment would strengthen both organisations before local government reforms.

“It’s great, actually, because now we can start looking at what’s coming forward in front of us with all of this reform stuff and [we’re] in the perfectly placed position.

“Two councils that are naturally going to come together through the reform process anyway, as it pans out, and we’re going to be at forefront of the country at getting this underway.”

New Plymouth Mayor Max Brough.
Photo: RNZ / Robin Martin

Regional council chair Craig Williamson also welcomed the move.

“Steve understands the complexity of regional functions, the operational realities of territorial authorities and the critical importance of collaboration between the two. He is the perfect person for the job.”

Ruru looked forward to exploring how the councils could work more closely for the benefit of Taranaki.

“The vacancy at NPDC provides an opportunity to pilot an innovative leadership approach in the region. Joint leadership gives us a strong platform to examine service models that could better serve Taranaki.

“This work will benefit both organisations and, most importantly, the communities we serve.”

Nw Plymouth Regional Council chair Craig Williamson.
Photo: RNZ / Robin Martin

Ruru would take over from Gareth Green, who concludes his three-year tenure at NPDC in the coming weeks, and he would be in the role, while NPDC recruited a permanent chief executive.

He said both councils would have time to evaluate how service delivery and community outcomes could be improved as part of the wider Simplifying Local Government reforms.

“My focus will be on preparing both organisations for the future. I’m passionate about the role of local government in supporting our communities and I am committed to ensuring both councils remain well positioned through this period of transition.”

Details on how Ruru would split his time between the two organisations and be paid were still to be finalised.

South Taranaki Mayor Phil Nixon said he had been kept in the loop about developments, but at this stage, they did not involve his district.

“That’s just an agreement between TRC and NPDC. That’s out of the realm of South Taranaki District, that’s for sure.

“We’ve had no discussion, conversation whatsoever [about amalgamation]. I mean, that’s a thing really for the Mayoral Forum to discuss.

“Without further discussion, I’m not sure where this will go.”

Nixon was not sure what people in his district would make of any eventual amalgamation.

“I can’t speak for the community on this particular issue, but what I can make comment on is, when we went out to get submissions on Local Water Done Well around either a regional CCO [council-controlled organisation] or bringing it in-house, our community was very strong as to bringing it in-house.

“A lot made a comment that, whatever you do, we don’t want to be part of New Plymouth. They made it very clear, those ones that did reply to that.”

Stratford Mayor Neil Volzke believed his district and South Taranaki could eventually become involved.

“This is their initiative and they are looking to develop a plan between them. What will happen from there, they have left the door open, should we choose to join in at a later date, but at the moment, the proposal is between those two councils.”

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