New Chief Executive announced for Waipā District Council

An experienced local government professional with a demonstrable track record has today been named as Waipā District Council’s next Chief Executive.

Steph O’Sullivan, who has been the Chief Executive at Whakatāne District Council for the past five-and-a-half-years, will take up the position at the helm of the organisation in late August, following the departure of Garry Dyet who announced his intention to retire in December last year.

Mayor Susan O’Regan said O’Sullivan was chosen after a comprehensive recruitment process, held over two months. There had been 84 applicants for the role and the rigorous selection process meant the final candidates were subject to four interview rounds, including one with the full council.

O’Sullivan was a definite stand-out from the pool of high-calibre applicants and the council was unanimous in her appointment, O’Regan said.

"Steph is a vision and values driven professional who puts people at the heart of everything she does. Her passion lies in wanting all parties to succeed in building community wealth, not just organisational wealth,” she said. “She is a strong leader with a proven track record and is highly respected within the Local Government sector.”

O’Sullivan said she was very honoured to accept the role. It was an exciting challenge that would see her return to her Waikato roots, she said.

“I’m a proud daughter of South Waikato farming stock and I look forward to being closer to family and friends here in the Waikato,” she said.

O’Sullivan said she had deep respect for Dyet, who was a renowned and strategic leader in Local Government.

“I was inspired to apply for the role because of the Waipā brand, the strategic focus of the Council, and of course the beautiful part of the world that it is!”

O’Sullivan’s five-year contract will begin on Monday, August 26.

Editor notes:

About Steph O’Sullivan

A Bachelor of Resource and Environmental Planning (Hons) graduate from Massey University, a Kellogg Rural Leadership graduate from Lincoln University and a NZ Commonwealth Leadership representative, O’Sullivan’s most recent career highlights include five-and-a-half years as Chief Executive of Whakatāne District Council.

She has strong associations to the Southern Waikato region, being born and raised in Tokoroa in a farming family, and whose grandfather Bernie O’Sullivan was the deputy Mayor and Councillor of the Tokoroa Borough Council for 17 years. Public service and community contribution values have been a strong influence from her family, and she is proud to continue representing those values. She is also a proud whangai member of the Deane Whānau from Ngatira Marae in Lichfield.

O’Sullivan’s career prior to Whakatāne District Council has included time in senior and Chief Executive roles in Central Government, for Iwi in the Waikato and Bay of Plenty and prior to that varied roles in the private sector and local government. She has also held numerous governance roles including the Waikato River Authority, Waikato River Trails Trust, Tauranga People’s Project and Chairing the Advisory Board for the University of Waikato Adams High Performance Centre in Mount Maunganui.

During her time at Whakatāne District Council, O’Sullivan led through the Whakaari Eruption response and recovery, COVID-19 pandemic, the aftermath of flood events and an unprecedented period of change and uncertainty in local government. She has led the organisation through a significant strengthening programme of work to enable better enhanced community delivery and stronger governance, and deepened Council’s community and iwi relationships.