Five Still In Running For Ashburton Council CEO Role

Monday, 17 February 2025, 10:01 pm
Article: Jonathan Leask - Local Democracy Reporter

Just five people remain in the running for the top job at the Ashburton District Council.

The chief executive position at the council received 25 applications, including one from the current boss Hamish Riach.

Ashburton Mayor Neil Brown confirmed the applicants were narrowed down to an initial shortlist of five people but wouldn’t divulge who is on that list.

“We won't be making any further comments until an appointment has been confirmed
“The timing of the process remains on track.”

After the applications closed in January, a meeting between Brown, the executive committee and the recruitment agency, Brannigans, discussed the applications to prepare the shortlist.

The recruitment process is scheduled to be completed in early-mid March.

Riach will have completed the seven years in September 2025, the maximum term of employment permitted under the Local Government Act of seven years (five years, plus a two-year extension).

The role is required to be re-advertised, and the incumbent can reapply – which he did.

Riach did not want to comment on the ongoing employment process or confirm if he was shortlisted.

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