Council updates  |  10h ago

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Mayor Phil Mauger today announced that Christchurch City Council Chief Executive Mary Richardson will be leaving her role on 1 May.

Mary was appointed for a defined period to stabilise the organisation and to drive improvements in three critical areas: resident satisfaction, delivery of levels of service, and staff engagement and wellbeing. Over the past two and a half years, all three have seen remarkable and measurable improvement.

Mary said she has greatly enjoyed her time leading the organisation, but that it is now the right moment to hand the role to someone who will guide the Council through its next phase of work.

“When I agreed to take on the Chief Executive role, it was with a clear purpose and a clear timeframe. The organisation is now in a strong position and focused on the upcoming Annual Plan and the development of the 2027–2037 Long Term Plan. It makes sense for someone who will be here through the period of planning and delivery to lead it.”

Mary also expressed her gratitude to those she has worked alongside.

“I want to thank staff across the organisation for their professionalism, dedication, and resilience; the Mayor and Councillors for their support and commitment to the city; and our residents, whose expectations and aspirations drive us to do better every day. It has been a privilege to serve this community.”

The Mayor said Mary’s contribution has been 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.”

Mary’s final date of employment was originally set for 30 June, but given her accrued leave, the Council has agreed she will finish on 1 May 2026.

Recruitment for the next Chief Executive is underway, and an Acting Chief Executive will be appointed for the transition.