Barry Harris appointed Chief Executive of Greater Wellington Regional Council

Mr Barry Harris has been appointed as the new Chief Executive of the Greater Wellington Regional Council. Mr Harris, currently the Chief Executive of Environment Waikato, will replace Mr Howard Stone who retires in July.

Greater Wellington Regional Council Chairperson Margaret Shields said the Council was delighted that Barry had accepted the position as Chief Executive.

“The Council was unanimous in its decision to appoint Barry to the job. We were impressed by his experience and track record at Environment Waikato and by his clear understanding of the issues facing local government in New Zealand.”

Margaret Shields said that Greater Wellington was adopting a strategic plan that aimed to achieve a sustainable region by 2013. “We wanted a CEO who could lead the Council toward this objective, and build partnerships with the community, local and central government. I am confident Barry is the right person to lead the Council to achieve these objectives.”

“I would also like to pay tribute to the outstanding work of our existing General Manager, Howard Stone. It is no exaggeration to say that since he was appointed, fourteen years ago, Howard has built this organisation from the ground up. Under his leadership the organisation first got the basics right, and is now poised to take the message of sustainability to the wider community. He has done an outstanding job, and leaves his successor with an exceptionally strong organisation going into the future.”

Mr Harris expressed his thanks to the Council for appointing him to the job and said that he was very much looking forward to working with the Councillors and staff of the Greater Wellington Regional Council.

“I’m delighted to have the opportunity to work with the Councillors and staff of Greater Wellington. The organisation makes a tremendous contribution to the lives of people in the region, and has set itself the objective of promoting a sustainable future. I’m looking forward to the challenge of delivering that vision.”

Mr Harris will take up the position on August 4th.

Biographical Information

Mr Barry Harris

Age 47

Married with three children

Career Summary

1993 – 2003 CEO Environment Waikato 1991 – 1993 CEO South Waikato District Council 1989 – 1991 Corporate Planner, Waikato Regional Council 1988 – 1989 Manager Policy and Finance, Waikato Catchment Board 1986 – 1988 Senior Economist, Department of Natural Resource Development, Kiribati

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