22 Aug 2025

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Christchurch City Council has reviewed the performance of Chief Executive Mary Richardson for the 2024/25 financial year.

The Chief Executive Performance and Employment Committee, chaired by Mayor Phil Mauger, presented its findings, highlighting significant improvements across key areas of Council operations and community engagement.

Among the most notable achievements were:

  • A rise in resident satisfaction with Council performance to 53%, up from 46% in 2024 and 43% in 2023.
  • 84% of services met their annual satisfaction targets, a jump from 71% in the previous year and the highest percentage since pre-earthquake times.
  • A 10% rise in residents feeling they have influence over Council decisions.
  • Staff engagement scores climbed to 67%, surpassing the local government benchmark and with every question in the survey having an increased score
  • The highest service delivery standards in over a decade.

Ms Richardson attributed these successes to the collective efforts of Council staff, emphasising that the outcomes were the result of shared commitment rather than individual achievement.

Christchurch City Council Chief Executive Mary Richardson

“These achievements reflect the dedication, professionalism, and shared commitment of our entire organisation,” she noted.

“Every part of the organisation has played a role in delivering for our community.”

This sentiment was echoed by the Committee, which acknowledged the importance of cross-organisation collaboration in achieving the year’s milestones.

The Mayor reinforced this message, stating: “This year’s results show what’s possible when people across the organisation work together and stay focused on delivering for our community.”

The report also highlighted a range of improvements that are transforming how elected members receive advice, make decisions, and carry out their governance responsibilities.

Key developments include:

  • Introduction of the first-ever forward work programme
  • Weekly digest and daily round-up distributed to the Mayor and Councillors for the past 16 months
  • Creation of a strategic issues register
  • Reinstatement of the resolution tracker in Council papers after a decade-long absence
  • Launch of an interactive capital programme tool, providing Councillors with detailed analysis by ward and financial year which is also publicly accessible

Governance advice has also increased significantly with:

  • 36 service reports delivered since 2024
  • An increase in decision-making reports presented to Council and Committees over the last triennium
  • 147 workshops held in FY25, up from previous years and with over 80% now open to the public
  • Over 1,400 Councillor queries responded to, with the average completion time reduced to 9.7 days: a 53% improvement from the previous year

These advancements reflect a strong commitment to delivering high-quality, timely governance advice and support across all Council operations.

Despite the Committee’s intention to recommend a salary increase, Ms Richardson respectfully declined any remuneration adjustment.

“Leadership in public service isn’t just about delivering results: it’s about upholding values. It’s important to acknowledge the realities our community is facing, especially the financial pressures many residents are currently experiencing,” she said.

The Mayor and Council members expressed thanks to the Chief Executive and Council staff.

Read the full report here.