The relationship between the CEO and the mayor is a vital one in any council; I doubt that comes as news to anyone given some of the goings on of late.

I have been very fortunate to have had great relationships with my previous two CEOs.

Leanne Mash helped greatly in easing me into the role of mayor when I first started out and then Sanchia Jacobs and I worked so well together we were asked to present at a panel discussion on mayor/CEO relationships at the start-of-term ‘mayors' school’ gathering last year.

This week we announced the appointment of our next CEO.  

Peter Kelly was selected from 51 applicants and was one of several current or former New Zealand Local Government CEOs to apply for the position. I took that response to the opportunity as a vote of confidence not only in Central Otago as a place but also in the council as a well-functioning unit.

Peter comes from an interesting background. He has been CEO of Upper Hutt City Council for the last five years and prior to that was the Chief of the New Zealand Army.  

I have to admit, he was not what I expected when I met him, given that military background.  I try not to pre-judge people but he was nothing like the Sergeant-Major type image I had allowed space in my head. People who know him have told me since the announcement that what I found is what he is, an affable, ‘people-person’ type leader who I am looking forward greatly to getting to know better.

Peter will bring an incredible background in leadership to our council and our community, and I am looking forward eagerly to his starting with us in early September.