Richard Saunders has been appointed the new chief executive of the Otago Regional Council (ORC), replacing former chief executive Sarah Gardner.

ORC chair Gretchen Robertson said Richard, who was selected from a 29-strong field of candidates, will start in the role on June 1, 2023.

Richard has worked the past 16 years in local government leadership roles, specialising largely in consents, regulatory and transport functions.

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He has been the council’s Dunedin-based general manager responsible for regulatory and communications portfolios, and a member of ORC’s executive leadership team since 2019.

The 43-year-old University of Otago Masters graduate has also led the regional council sector nationally in the development of the freshwater farm programme and the response to new intensive winter grazing regulations.

Gretchen said he stood out for his communication style, ability to build teams and deliver on performance targets, and his in-depth knowledge of the ORC.

  Interim chief executive Dr Pim Borren will remain in the role until Richard takes over in June. Meanwhile Richard will work with Pim to prepare for his new role.

Richard said he was looking forward to working on the ORC’s “ambitious work programme”. 

 “We know communities in Otago value their unique environment. ORC has a significant responsibility to ensure this is protected and enhanced. To give us the greatest chance of success we will continue to build our partnerships with mana whenua as well as our key stakeholder groups. I’m also very keen to see ORC working alongside the many community and catchment groups who are already out there, doing important mahi,” he said.

 Richard Saunders

There are ongoing challenges in public transport in Dunedin and Queenstown, and Richard said another imperative is to support ORC’s team working through a period of driver shortages for contractors and associated service disruption.

He acknowledged that the amount of change being faced by many in the community is having a large impact.

“I am looking forward to exploring ways in which the ORC can provide support and advice to those most affected,” he said.